Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I have been a member of the social protection committee since 2007, and I know they do a great job. There has to be some consistency to this, because it is bad for the social welfare system. The rumours and stories that go around, particularly if one lives near an area with many refugees, are due to the discretion available and the different practices used.

Another issue which is slightly related to a provision in the Bill is that of writing off money owed to the Department of Social Protection. I do not think it is a matter for the Minister and I wonder is there a level above which the Minister would have to make a decision on writing off what someone would owe. In my experience, it can be done over the phone with an official in the Department and that might need to be examined, especially for sums over €10,000. From my experience with an official in the Department, it is possible to negotiate a sum of €50,000. Such sums should be dealt with by the Minister.