Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy raised several issues. On the issue of the public-facing campaign to which he referred, we have been providing flexibility with regard to rent supplement. The Deputy and I can probably get the message out to people who contact us that if they are in difficulty, the Department is here to help. That is the one big message we need to send out. If people are having difficulties, whether that is with the cost of fuel or their rent supplement, they should go to their local social welfare office. We are here to try to help people through what is a very difficult time.

The Deputy mentioned a temporary top-up payment for qualified children. That is another issue. I think it is No. 7. I increased the rate for qualified children under 12 and those over 12 in the budget, as the Deputy will be aware. The National One Parent Family Alliance is looking for support in respect of the cost of Internet, communication services and several other matters. That issue is best addressed in a targeted way rather than across the board. That is what the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is for. Indeed, many Deputies will know that the supplementary welfare scheme was established in the 1970s by Frank Cluskey, who was a Minister at the time, exactly for that purpose, that is, so that people who find themselves in difficulty can go to their social welfare office and get help. That is the most important message we can get out to people.

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