Marie Moloney (Labour)

This section concerns new applicants. We should also realise that it only applies to someone whose spouse earns over €400. Where this is the case, the household gets a benefit and there is a household income per week of €600 — the benefit and the earnings of the spouse. If the spouse earns less than €400, this does not apply and there is no loss. Therefore, there is a minimum income of €600 coming into the house. This provision is already in place where jobseeker's allowance is sought, so it is not new. All it does is bring these benefits into line.

Senator Cullinane said this would hurt someone on a very low income. If the person is on a very low income, the person claiming benefit can claim for a qualified adult. If the spouse is on a very low income the person can claim the graduated rate. If the spouse is earning less than €100, the claimant can claim the full amount . The graduated rate goes up to something like €346. If the person is on very low pay, there will be an extra benefit payment for that adult. Also, if the pay of a person with two or three children is reduced, the FIS will increase. Therefore, the cut may not be as frightening as the Senator thinks. There are ways of working around it. As I mentioned, this provision is already in place for allowances, so the Minister is only bringing this payment into line.