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

I thank the Minister for her explanation on reviews. As I said, a constituent of mine has been in touch on this. She is working two seasonal part-time jobs and she is a lone parent. In situations such as hers and in all situations, we absolutely have to have control measures and means-testing. However, I hope that our means test will not be mean enough to discourage people from going out, working and bettering their lives and circumstances.

I thank the Minister for all that she has done. The increased payments and lump sums will be very welcome this winter. I agree with Deputy Stanton when it comes to information campaigns. I would love to know how we are reaching out to people who may not have been eligible for the likes of fuel allowance who are likely now to become eligible to make sure that they are getting the information that the entitlement changed and they should apply for it. I am doing much work with my senior citizens groups in Lucan and Clondalkin to make sure that word gets out there. I would love to get an update on what the Department is doing nationwide.

See this speech in context