Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for her comprehensive reply. On the lone parent allowance, the current maximum income for one parent families is €293. The €10 increase under the FÁS scheme, which would push people over the threshold, would mean that people would immediately lose 50%. There are 400 women nationwide in that category. Is the Minister suggesting that they can apply to her Department for FIS – I do not know whether people are aware that there is an ongoing debate about the supplement – and will that payment make up the difference of the 50% loss on the lone parent payment? This would involve their making separate applications. How is this to be communicated to what is a relatively small group of approximately 400 people?

I understand the Minister's problem with the PRSI ceiling and the jobs initiative scheme. This is a focused scheme in that it only applies to those who have been out of work for a total of five years. It effectively covers those who have been unable to function in the labour market for many years. It provides them with the opportunity to return to work. The Minister implies that this year just over 21,000 employees will come into the net. Some are on low income and not participants in the scheme. This means that those taken into the net this year are new participants. By raising the ceiling, the Minister will not only help those on the scheme but also those on low income who, for the first time, will have to pay PRSI, an additional burden for them. I suspect most of them are not aware of this. I ask the Minister to consider making improvements in this area. While the amendment seeks to help those involved in the jobs initiative scheme, it will also help those on low income.