Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I have raised the issue because it would be wrong to let the opportunity pass as if it was of no importance. The philosophical vacuity of the Government is on display in this regard.

I welcome the changes being made in respect of the use of electronic certification. The Minister is a strong proponent of human dignity. In this regard, I welcome the reference to the need to respect and enhance people's dignity as individuals. Electronic certification is presented as something which promotes efficiency, but the issue of human dignity must also be considered. While we must find a way to avoid fraud, we should uphold human dignity by not subjecting people to unnecessarily humiliating procedures at a time when they are in need of social protection.