Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for that comprehensive response. It has been an absolutely historic budget. As the Minister said, it has been the largest ever package to get money back into people’s pockets. That has been welcomed by an awful lot of people. The Minister has done a great job of supporting people on low incomes who need help, support and intervention the most. She has also catered for the squeezed middle who were once considered to have decent jobs and wages and are now finding that they are struggling to make ends meet. This budget and the welfare announcements that the Minister made in respect of the €2.1 billion achieve that.

A couple of constituents have been in touch with me about getting letters now asking for a review of their circumstances before they receive any payments. This might be something that happens every couple of years, I am not sure. Perhaps the Minister could clarify if it is in relation to this in particular.

I also wish to acknowledge the changes the Minister made around the fuel allowance eligibility criteria with the half-rate for carers and the disability payments not being taken into account for the means test. Those are issues I raised with the Minister in this Chamber and it fantastic to see her taking on board so much of the feedback she gets here and making it happen. That is what changes people’s circumstances at home.

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