Ruairi Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am somewhat surprised and glad. It is much appreciated.

It has already been said that there are eligibility issues. The income levels simply do not cut it. In fairness, it has been said in the House that people may find themselves in situations where the family income supplement or something else puts them a little above the criteria. We need to have some element of flexibility. I have spoken about the situation that some people find themselves in. Combined with low incomes that may be a little over the threshold, some families may also have considerable outgoings. This may be down to the fact of children with additional needs. That needs to be taken into account.

To add to what Deputy Brendan Smith has said on creating a situation whereby mixed developments are not necessarily going to happen, I suggest this will force an issue that has happened in many cases in which people choose not to take up a job or employment to ensure they can afford to pay the rent by being able to access the housing assistance payment.

See this speech in context