Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Is deacair a dhéanamh amach cad atá ar siúl.

Deputy Devlin mentioned the fuel allowance for the over 70s. It is a very good idea to have a publicity campaign to ensure that people are aware of the increased eligibility thresholds so that people who heretofore did not qualify will avail of the free fuel allowance.

It is a very good idea, in terms of the publicity campaign, to make sure people are aware of the increased eligibility thresholds such that those who did not qualify heretofore for the free-fuel allowance, for example, may now avail of it. The Minister should please take note.

Deputy Boyd Barrett raised the issue of the Debenhams Group. I hear what he is saying. I have not seen the material but will of course examine it. I will ask the Secretary General of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to do so also in respect of the issues that have arisen.

On Deputy Paul Murphy's point, in any State or Government initiative we always protect the terms and conditions of employees within the public service. That has happened with Irish Water and so on. However, the broader issue of the Bill relates to policing reform and the policing commission's recommendations, so that reform has to proceed. Parallel with that, the issues can be resolved through the normal channels and mechanisms.

On Deputy Tóibín's point on small-scale childcare and the early childhood care and education scheme, the Minister responsible, Deputy O'Gorman, has announced a review of the sector. He has had discussions with the federation regarding it, and it called off its action in response. I hope the review can bring to light the issues the Deputy has raised and see them resolved.

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