Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister might respond to and clarify the following point. I welcome the fact that there will be a review of means testing but I am concerned that the Minister has said it will only apply to the thresholds involved. I imagine the terms of reference for that review are currently being drafted. I specifically request that the review includes consideration of the issue I have raised. There are times when a household assessment is appropriate. When is it appropriate to apply a means test on a household basis and when might it be appropriate to consider a means test on an individualised basis? Including a consideration of that matter in the review of means testing that will take place next year would be a concrete step towards recognising the recommendation from the Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality.