Michael D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

That is not the matter I wish to raise, however. I wish to refer to an instance of pointed unfairness in regard to social welfare. Perhaps the Leader will pass my message on to the Minister for Social Protection. If somebody has an investment property and is now not working, the value of that property is used in means tests by the Department. However, if the loan on that property is not classified as a mortgage, but as a bridging loan or otherwise, the Department disallows one from offsetting the amount of money owed on the property against the value. I have encountered a number of such cases. It is particularly unfair because the Department has a very narrow interpretation of the wording. People who have worked, paid taxes and invested in a property are now not allowed to claim any social welfare payment because of the interpretation. It is pointedly unfair. I ask the Leader to pass on my concerns. I am sure others have come across this anomaly.