Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)

I agree with the Senator that we need to ensure that older people are not left behind in an increasingly digital world. In this regard, I commit that the Government will not be found wanting. The Senator rightly cites and commends the volunteers of ALONE. It is a brilliant organisation to which we are all indebted. As previously outlined, the Department of Social Protection provides targeted payments to help people with their household costs, including fuel allowance, the living alone allowance, the household benefits package and the additional needs payments. While these supports can, of course, help older persons with the cost of digital services, providing access to these services is also a priority for this Government. In this regard, the Government is providing significant funding through the national broadband plan, which will and is improving to be a game-changer in making sure people are maintaining access. It is important to keep a focus on that.

The existing supports within the Department, along with recent budget increases, will continue to support this important cohort. However, I understand the points that the Senator is making. I absolutely believe this is something that perhaps he could take up further as the social welfare Bill passes through the House. Moving from €2.50 to €10 per week in one step is a large amount in one go for 164,000 people. We can all do the maths in our heads if we want to, but that does not mean that it not without merit. I commend the Senator on raising the issue and encourage him to keep pushing it with the relevant line Ministers.