Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Another of the choices relates to means-testing. In the North the consequence of such testing is that no one who earns more than £60,000 can receive child benefit. The report also refers to the creation of a two tier payment structure. In that context, it is most important that we maintain the incentive for all members of families to go out to work.

I disagree with Senator Jillian van Turnhout on one matter. We are recovering money at a moderate rate from people who have been scamming the social welfare system. At present, such money is only recoverable at a rate of ¤2 per week.