Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am familiar with the case Deputy Kerrane raises. I have asked my officials to look into it. I was surprised when I saw it. Having said that, community welfare officers are compassionate people who do their best. We do not know all the details in the particular case, but I am having it checked as we speak. We will get to the bottom of it.

I thank Deputy Sherlock for not pressing his amendment. I am happy to do the report, which will be done very promptly. The fund for community welfare officers is an open-ended one. There is no limit or cap on the money that is available. It is demand-led. That is the State's safety net. We all appreciate there must be some checks and balances in terms of how the money is paid out, but there is a safety net to help people who find themselves in difficult and emergency situations. We are here to help people at the end of the day.

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