Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will begin by responding to Deputy Ellis, although there was not really a question. When he expresses concern that Ministers are making decisions, he is obviously referring to me, in particular, as an unelected Minister. I do not make decisions. The Cabinet makes decisions and, thankfully, it is a collective responsibility. I hope the decisions we have made in recent months have been in the best interest of the good public health of our citizens, including through the financial supports we have provided. That is to reassure the Deputy.

I think the person Deputy Gould might be referring to is a good pal of mine. If he is a photographer from Cork, I know him well and have done for many years. I have tried my level best but have fallen between two stools with regard to the specific supports he needs. While there is a wealth of supports to support people who have disabilities to work, there does not seem to be a proper number of supports for people who have a disability and are entrepreneurs. I am pursuing personal assistance hours for that gentleman to do the role he would like to employ somebody to do. The Deputy is nonetheless right and has raised a very valid question. There is a hole in the supports and we should look at them.

I will revert in writing to Deputy Ó Murchú with regard to the EU directive. There was no change in any analysis or position from the Department. The regulation has been on the books of the European Union for many years and we have followed it from day one.

To respond to Deputy Andrews, we recognise that one should never let a good crisis go to waste and that we should use opportunities to look at fairer systems. I hope to God that whoever is in government after the current negotiations finish will provide that fair system we are looking for.

Other issues raised by Deputies concern anomalies they pointed out. I reiterate we were confined by the legislation on the Statute Book. On the working-age payments, it is because only people between the ages of 18 and 66 pay into the social insurance system and pay PRSI that only they can draw from the social insurance system. The bedrock of our payment for people over the age of 66 is the pension. We were absolutely sure we were going to include self-employed people in the wage subsidy scheme, which we did.

Anybody else who had instances of expenses over and above their pension is absolutely catered for under supplementary welfare legislation. Deputy Paul Donnelly raised a very concerning account of one particular gentleman who he said is living in his car. Perhaps the Deputy could call my office later to give me the details. That gentleman is entitled to rent supplement and to supplementary welfare assistance from us, and should not be living in his car. I will make sure we look after him and help him today.

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