Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I certainly understand the Senator's frustration. Before I was a Member of the Dáil, we would have always argued about the inflexibility of the social welfare system. The social welfare system seems to deliver for the maximum number on its books. To be helpful to Senator Zappone, I encourage her to continue in her effort to have the staff in social welfare look at the small cohort of people who find themselves in these circumstances.

They might monitor them over their interaction with the social welfare system. In that way they could see if minor changes could be made to help such people. We may not necessarily need to make major changes to manage the small group referred to by the Senator. I would encourage the Senator to follow her conviction in this matter. She will perhaps find herself with a deal of support, so I encourage her to continue.