Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response and indeed for her engagement in the area. We may need to return to the question of an agency again and if we do, we will be able to learn from and improve on any of the mistakes made in the UK. In the interim, I welcome the fact that the Minister has engaged with Senator Ruane. Getting Revenue involved is at least a starting point for ensuring this is happening and it would be a significant improvement to have it involved in the way suggested in Minister's legislation. I also welcome the commitments in respect of how the current social protection system operates and the requirements that are there; that would be constructive. The Minister mentioned the cost. As regards the €10 million, there is no better place that money could be spent to ensure our social protection system is addressing and delivering social protection to those who are most vulnerable than in the area of lone parent families because they are extraordinarily more vulnerable to homelessness, deprivation, and poverty. Again, it would be money very well spent in that regard. I look forward to further engagement with the Minister, as I am sure does Senator Ruane.