Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

Therefore, we are only looking at new applicants. Because people have lost a partner, husband or wife, they will find it more difficult to obtain a contributory pension. This is the wrong group of people to target. There are other areas within the social welfare budget where savings could be made without going after surviving spouses. In many cases these people, young mothers and young fathers, have to provide for families without additional income. If the breadwinner in the house passes away the wife will not be entitled to a contributory pension because of the changes proposed. This will affect the vulnerable, those who have lost husbands, wives or civil partners. Given that the Minister is targeting the wrong group, in conscience I could not support the proposals in section 6.