Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent Ireland Party)

I thank the Taoiseach for his response and look forward to meeting with the Minister on this.

I am under no illusions; there are many criteria under different payments the Government must consider under different circumstances. When it comes to people losing a loved one, however, and they are trying to survive, whether they have children, there are massive overheads, even with current inflation costs and the challenges facing people. It is something that should be legislated for. If we can, we should do everything to help people in situations like that. There are other more complicated criteria but if someone is widowed, whether he or she is working but has paid PRSI contributions, it should not matter. It should not interfere with the widow's pension if he or she is out sick. I am trying to bridge that gap to ensure that if a person is out sick, hey or she does not have the worry of going further and further into debt, which causes worry for the whole family.

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