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

I absolutely understand the concerns of the many people who wish to access this scheme. I understand their level of need. I am now considering the consequences of the Supreme Court ruling on this matter. I have asked my officials to prepare options for me as to what we can do in respect of this scheme. I know many Deputies in this House represent constituents who, for entirely understandable reasons, feel that they should have access to this scheme. One of the reasons that so few changes have been made to it in the past, however, is that we have been trying to get the balance right between implementing a scheme that can make a big difference for those who need it the most and not developing a scheme that is so broad that it represents a considerable use of taxpayers' money and which spreads those resources very broadly. I am aware of the issues the Deputy has raised and, as I have said, I am seeking to come up with options for dealing with some of the issues which emerged in the hearing to which he has referred.

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