Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

The table which we discussed on Friday shows that in 2014 this provision will impact on new entrants in terms of children aged seven years and on existing recipients in 2015 and 2016 at the earliest and, similarly, in relation to those who became lone parents during the past year. The number of children on which this will potentially impact - we do not know if the number will be this high - will be approximately 170. I believe it will be more than possible to put in place arrangements in this regard.

North of the Border the applicable age has been seven years, in respect of which Sinn Féin has not had any difficulty. Services north of the Border may be somewhat better than they are south of the Border but they are not extraordinarily better.