TDs in Fianna Fáil and the PDs have intensified pressure on the Government over a controversial cut in the welfare entitlements of widows amid signs of a Cabinet rethink on the policy.
Backbenchers from both the Coalition parties expressed concern in public about the cut as the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms Coughlan, said she was not afraid to change her mind on the policy.
The cut abolishes the right of working widows and widowers to a half-payment of unemployment or disability allowances in addition to their widows' pension entitlements. Such allowances were based on their social insurance contributions.
The PD's Dún Laoghaire TD, Ms Fiona O'Malley, described the policy as "another own-goal that could have been avoided". "It's exasperating to see the Government hit very vulnerable sectors for the sake of saving €5.8 million. You can be sure they're going to find a solution to it," she said.
In addition, Fianna Fáil TDs expressed fear that the issue could damage the party in the local election on June 11th.
The Dublin north-west Fianna Fáil TD, Mr Pat Carey, said the change was regarded as a harsh measure by many of his constituents. "Even if it never damaged the party, in justice and from a moral point of view it's something that needs to be addressed. It certainly has come up a good deal on the doorsteps. Local election candidates are reporting back about it."
Ms Coughlan said on RTÉ radio that the policy was under review and said she would respond "in a short period" to the National Association of Widows, which wants the cut reversed.
"I haven't closed the door completely and I will still evaluate and review the situation," she said.
The Minister said the association "made very good points" and said she agreed that there should be a special emphasis on the provisions for widows under 66.
Her spokesman declined to comment later on the likelihood of a policy U-turn and said that time was required to complete a review of the measure.
Ms Coughlan was speaking after the Tánaiste, Ms Harney, said in the Dáil that the hallmark of any society was how it treats its most vulnerable. "The Government has always responded when hardship or unfairness is caused in any decisions made," said Ms Harney.
Mr Carey said he believed there was now a determination in the Government to find a solution to the issue. He was among those who raised the issue at a meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party on Tuesday and believed many of his party colleagues shared such concerns.
The Fianna Fáil Sligo TD, Mr Jimmy Devins, who also spoke at the meeting, said many widows would be left in a difficult situation because of the change. "I think it's an issue that is very alive at the moment," he said.
The Fianna Fáil Cork south central TD, Mr John Dennehy, said the policy was unfortunate. "I think it was an error of judgment. Maybe it wasn't thought out fully," Mr Dennehy said. "I believe we made a mistake in bringing it in and we shouldn't be too big not to reverse it."
