Eileen Flynn (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I urge the Minister to accept this amendment, more so than many others. When the grant does not completely cover the cost of reconstructing people's houses, homeowners should be able to downsize in order to fit the cost of the grant they are awarded. I am thinking in particular of pensioners and others of older age who are not entitled to a loan, as my colleagues pointed out. All present know that once one hits the age of 40, it is very difficult to get a loan from a bank. The last time I mentioned a person by name, I was told I should not do so, but this amendment came to us from the horse's mouth, if you wish. I urge the Minister to accept the amendment.