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

It was because of the legislation that I was able to make the change I did to the level of subsidy that would be available for participants in the wage subsidy scheme at different levels of income. The decision I made then, by offering guidance to the Revenue Commissioners, did not change the eligibility criteria for the scheme or the number of people who were able to access the scheme and the reasons for so doing.

It influenced the rates for groups and citizens already on the scheme. If I could have given a clear answer to the Deputy on whether we can deal with this matter by administrative means, I would have given that answer to Deputy Michael McGrath because he asked the same question. Maybe Deputy Cullinane could tell me whether, if it turns out that legislation is needed, he would support the formation of a new Government that he would not be part of in order to allow us to deal with this issue.

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