Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I support the points made on all sides of the House in regard to the people over 66 who are working. There was controversy over pensions and when they come into effect, but there is no controversy around people who were in business prior to Covid-19 and were paying their taxes but can no longer work because they are sole traders and their business cannot function. These people are not getting the payment while people living on the same street as them and working in the same shopping centre are getting it because they are under 66 years of age. This is age discrimination, which is wrong. If a person can prove he or she was working before the virus hit, he or she should be entitled to the difference between the current rate of pension and the €350 payment.

I, too, welcome the presence of the Minister, Regina Doherty, in the House. I also welcome her determination and the gutsy way in which she has run the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and answered questions fairly and openly. It is working against the Government that she is not allowed adequate and proper time to reply to some of the points raised, particularly those made in a rude and aggressive manner.

I have been contacted by many people in regard to services for women and children who, because of the situation in their household are homeless or have domestic violence visited upon them in an appalling way. These people are seeking immediate relocation. Safe Ireland has been in contact with me and other Deputies. It believes there is need for emergency rent supplement access such that these people can be provided with safe housing. This assistance, if provided to them, will give them independence of choice and options that no longer exist because hotels and other areas of accommodation, such as bed and breakfasts, are not as available as heretofore. There are serious problems for women and children that are not being addressed in that they cannot access rent supplement.

Supporters and community organisations are very anxious that the Minister should step into the breach and do what she can to help them.

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