Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The measures and the focus on lower income families is positive and constructive. I agree with the Minister on it. Not every household is on social welfare. There are those that are just beyond the threshold. They also feel the burden of costs. Choices must be made. You have to cut your cloth according to measure but to do that you must measure. Has the Minister measured how many people would be involved if this support was made available? Has she examined what the cost would be? It is hugely important. One cannot make an informed decision without having the figures available. We are really looking at a small number of people. Has the Minister actually measured that and put a figure on it? It would support many households where people have just turned 18 years of age and who have not yet done the leaving certificate.

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