Fiach MacConghail (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is. As someone said to me yesterday a 15 year old is still a child. There are demands on children on a weekly basis. I have two daughters myself who were once teenagers. Costs arise when they go to the party of a classmate or go out with friends. Having seen the direct provision centre in Athlone I do not know how children could go from there to see a film or become involved in whatever cultural activities they might require to enhance and support their own emergence as young adults in this State. The sum of €15 is such a paltry amount. What was the reason behind only increasing the payment by €6?

The great thing about the report is that everything is costed. The Minister of State’s colleague, Deputy Howlin, was represented on the working group. I echo Senator van Turnhout’s statement. The lack of political will is stalling the implementation of many of the recommendations. I look forward to hearing the Minister of State’s comments on the weekly allowance and also the cooking facilities.