Pension bonus leak
Senator McFadden rejects claims that the Minister said the pension bonus would not be paid and says a leaked document and 'fake news' frightened pensioners. She then turns to housing, arguing the Government is committed and asking for a debate on the repair and lease scheme.
To take up the previous speaker's point about the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, the Minister never said the bonus would not be paid. It was disingenuous for anyone to have said that.
Comment on this
I am not saying Senator Nash did so. It had been leaked and that is where the problem lies. When things are leaked and taken out of context, people are terrorised and frightened. Old-age pensioners were fearful this morning because of a leaked document. It was fake news and I do not think that is right.
I would like to speak on housing, as everybody would. Councillors, Senators and Deputies alike are all frustrated at the housing situation. I do not think anybody can criticise the Government's commitment to housing. The Government is very committed to housing and homelessness-----