Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, Independents 4 Change) | Oireachtas source

I accept what the Minister said about the availability of hardship fund with no limit. When I was first active in politics as a councillor, we worked very closely with the community welfare officers in the area. There was one in the health centre in Crumlin and one in Curlew Road health centre in Drimnagh, as well as others in Parnell Road and Walkinstown. People approaching me would be able to work very well with community welfare officers and let the person know where to go, etc. They were taken out of the community during the austerity years of 2011 and 2012, which was a mistake. They were introduced in the 1980s or 1990s by a Labour Party Minister - I cannot remember his name - because of the need to be close to people in the community.

As Deputy Kerrane said, some people are in a rural community and do not have enough money. In some cases, the partner may be spending the money on drink or gambling. Someone like that with two young kids will not be able to get to an Intreo office. Will the Minister consider introducing a pilot scheme to bring the fund into the community to see how it would impact, particularly in rural areas?

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