Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I am not in a position to accept the two amendments, which require the preparation of reports on the potential to extend eligibility for both the general and work-related payments. As I stated in response to discussion on previous, similar amendments, it is really important that the reviews of the operation of the scheme, as provided for in the legislation as it currently stands, are anchored in the existing scope of the Bill. The parameters of the scheme have been debated at length both in this House and the other House. I have outlined how the Government arrived at its decision on the scheme that is being provided. All the amendments put forward under this section call for reports that ultimately seek to review the scheme in its entirety within the first six months of its operation. As I have explained, that is not feasible. Any amendment to the parameters of the scheme would require a Government decision.

I repeat what I said to Senators earlier. In the first six months of operation of this legislation, the focus must be on getting the scheme up and running. We need to pass the Bill and then we must continue to do the work necessary to put in place the significant administrative apparatus to deal with a scheme that will potentially have 34,000 applicants. That needs to be the focus in the initial six months.

Senator Higgins asked about finding information on people who apply to the scheme and are unsuccessful. I offer the assurance to Senators that the chief deciding officer will provide an annual report, as required under section 12. The data will be collected by the scheme administrator. It will be an annual report, not a six-month report, which I think is better in terms of giving us a scope. Relevant information will be available in the report and that information may, of course, influence future decisions about legislation.