Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Byrne. I accept that the situation is as she describes but would reiterate that the primary objective of the TSA is to support vulnerable people most at risk of social isolation, including the elderly and those with disabilities, by providing them with access to personal alarms or phones for security. Therefore, the criteria for the allowance are framed in order to direct the limited resources available to the Department in as targeted a manner as possible. As can be seen from recent budget measures supported by evidence-based research, the Government is targeting increases in relevant payments to support the most vulnerable customers. The increase provided for in budget 2021 means that in 2021, living alone allowance recipients now receive €19 per week in addition to their primary social welfare payment, or a total of €988 over the course of this year. This budget measure represents a 36% increase in the value of this payment.

This increase is particularly important in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Since March 2020 the pandemic has changed our lives profoundly. These are difficult times for many people, especially the vulnerable and the elderly, particularly those who are living alone. Therefore, the increase in the living alone allowance payment was an appropriate policy response. Together with the increase provided for in budget 2020, the living alone allowance has almost doubled in the last two years. Like all other schemes operated by the Department, this will be kept under review to ensure it is achieving its objective.