Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the work done on MESL and how it is reflected. It enables us not only to look at the general increase but to have targeted measures. That is what I was looking to illustrate. With regard to individualisation, even though I recognise what has been done on rent, if people have no income getting rent allowance in itself is an issue. Many people will stay in a home but it makes a huge difference for them to have financial independence.The individualisation aspect is important. I will not dwell on it further because I will come back to it in respect of carer's and disability allowances, which are other areas in which it is important that individuals are able to have access to incomes in their own right and in their own names. It is an issue to examine. I imagine we will be considering the matter in the course of the coming year because it is so central to the recommendations of the citizens' assembly. I will not press amendments Nos. 5 and 6, but I will press amendment No. 12 when the time comes.