Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have to say that the Minister's response is deeply disappointing. First, he has had this report since December. I do not believe for a second that the delay in taking action, whether to extend the uplift in band to more counties or to extend the uplift more generally, is to do with the need for more research. I am firmly of the view that the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform is absolutely resisting the Minister's desire to raise these income thresholds. The consequence is as follows. There are families who are being reviewed, they are €10, €20, €50, €100 or €500 a year over the limit, and they are losing five, 12 or more years on the list. I had one case, and the Minister has corresponded with the family in question, where due to a family reunification - thankfully the family got back together and that is good for their children - they are a tiny amount of money over the threshold and they cannot even get onto the social housing list. That family, as the Minister knows, is homeless and accessing emergency support services.

This is a very straightforward decision. The Minister has the power to bring to Cabinet a proposal to raise the thresholds. We do not need this additional research. I welcome the fact that the Minister has finally published the review. I have had a quick read of the recommendations. The recommendations are primarily calling for more research. We know what is happening. The Minister's own backbenchers are telling him what is happening. The thresholds are too low and people on very modest incomes cannot get social housing support or HAP and are being removed from the social housing list. I urge the Minister to act in the interest of these people now, rather than delaying this for another six or 12 months.

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