Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

The legislation may be found to be unconstitutional and we have a duty to ensure that people are protected. I hope I will have an opportunity to table an amendment on Report Stage because we did not do so for Committee Stage. If it is in order, I will try to do so. That issue has been raised by the senior citizens' group, which referred to the adequacy of payments and the amount of money that will be left for pensioners after the money is deducted under the terms of this legislation. I understand the average sum will be approximately €35 per week. However, the senior citizens' group made the point that if an elderly person buys The Irish Times every day, along with a packet of ten cigarettes and a pint of Guinness, the money would soon be gone. Given the sum this Bill will leave pensioners with, they will have no money for clothes or Christmas gifts for their grandchildren.

I realise that Senators cannot make proposals that involve making a charge on the Exchequer but, if it is in order, a review group should be established to examine whether or not this payment is adequate. I hope to avail of the opportunity to raise this matter on Committee and Report Stages.