Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity) | Oireachtas source

It was interesting that the Minister used slightly different language in his answer from what is contained in the written replies to parliamentary questions. In written replies the Minister states that the programme for Government has set out a timeline that commits to significantly further increasing the income disregards. He left out, quite understandably, the point about having a timeline because, presumably, he knows that the programme for Government does not contain such a timeline. All it sets out is a general commitment to a view to phasing out the means test. I presume the Minister is not in a position to give me a timeline. While the increase in the income disregard is welcome, it is not sufficient. A means test is not something that can be gradually abolished. Either we have a means test and all of the pressure that puts on people or we do not. It is not only about the income; it is also about the fact of the means test being a demeaning process that people go through. They have to fill out a large form, along with a medical report to justify the work they are doing, which is saving the State approximately €20 billion a year.

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