Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy gives the example of an apprentice whose partner is on social welfare. If they are not qualifying, I would like to see the detail of that. I am not saying I do not believe the Deputy. Of course, I believe him but that does not seem to be the target market we are looking to try to support here. People on low incomes who are making the effort to get out and work need to be supported by the State in terms of their housing needs just like people on social welfare who are either unable to work or cannot find employment. We will review income thresholds but we cannot review them on the basis of individual counties. There must be a standardised process. Otherwise it becomes a political exercise, which is dangerous.

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