Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I ask that consideration might be given to the fact that it is quite a considerable time since the income thresholds were adjusted. They need to be adjusted now in line with the cost of living and other compelling reasons. They also need to be adjusted on the grounds that when a household receives indication that a patient, be he or she the bread earner or not, and when it is considered that the shock to the system and to the household budget is fairly considerable in any event, and that there are many calls and charges on the household which would not ordinarily apply, I ask that further consideration be given to the fact that the family finds itself in this position. The family members are worried about their health issues and the reduction in the family income as well. On that basis, I ask that the income thresholds be reconsidered.

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