Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We do not have legislation yet; we have a general scheme. If we can get a better sense of when the legislation will come forward, that would be welcome. I appreciate that there are some technical details to be worked out, but the primary issue is which families will be eligible and how long people need to be cohabiting before they are entitled to the payment. If the Minister can answer those questions, that would be excellent.

I know Treoir has been in touch with the Minister several times and has not received any clarification from her on these issues. I refer in particular to the issue of backdating, how many years will be required and which families will be eligible. I would appreciate if the Minister and her office would engage with Treoir to ensure that these questions are answered. She said she and her Department are examining the pre-legislative scrutiny report, which is a necessary part of the process. Will we have legislation before Christmas or the election, whatever is sooner?

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