Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am not in a position to do that here today. Of course, I am well aware of the very strong and understandable feelings which citizens have in respect of this matter. I have met a number of them on this issue and I can understand why they feel as strongly as they do. It is an area which the Minister, the Taoiseach and I are well aware of. We want to see if we can make progress on it, but it is a challenge to make progress in the way some would want for next year. The cost of reinstatement for next year alone would be €70 million. The cost of the overall social welfare package for budget 2018 was well below €300 million. This illustrates the challenge we have in terms of making progress on this matter. I know that the Deputy wants to see us making progress on this matter. As I have said, it is a matter which Government is well aware of, but at this point I need to outline the challenges which prevent us making quick progress on it.

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