Sharon Keogan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply and for repeating everything we know about the CAT concerning households. It is not addressing the discrimination case in respect of childless couples. I am not advocating for anything to be taken away from adults with children but for giving a voice in these Houses for equality for couples and single people without children. Everyone should have the same level of control over how their fully taxed assets are passed on. All citizens should be treated equally. This is definitely not the case now.

Let us be honest. Why should the children of my children and the children of Micheál Martin and Simon Harris be treated differently from, let us say, the nephews and nieces of Senator Victor Boyhan, Senator Gerard Craughwell, Deputy Ken O'Flynn or Deputy Roderic O'Gorman? Why should they be treated differently? It is wrong. It is discrimination. I ask the Minister of State to reflect on this point and see what he can do in relation to this issue. I definitely do not believe it is unconstitutional and I am sure a case will be taken against the Government.

As regards getting someone to move in with you three years beforehand, you may end up getting sick and somebody might have to move in. Somebody in their 30s, 40s or 50s can get cancer and a relative might have to move in. They will not have that three-year grace period. As far as I am concerned, the legislation needs to be changed.