Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

With regard to the changes in social welfare provision and entitlement announced yesterday by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Coughlan, will it be possible to debate what are severe restrictions in regard to the applicability and availability of such entitlements? I understand that the changes will be introduced by regulation. One ought to be reminded of the recent Supreme Court decision on regulations concerning immigration because the changes announced yesterday are very sweeping and broad ranging. It appears we will not have an opportunity to debate the issues in the context of legislation and I ask for an opportunity for such a debate by way of statements or otherwise.

Are these measures only to apply to people from applicant states? Some weeks ago, a debate in the House raised concerns about the position of Irish emigrants, in particular older emigrants living in England. Many emigrants expressed a wish to come home to live out their final days. Will they be hit by the changes?