asked the Minister for Social Welfare the steps he has taken, since the passing of the Social Welfare Act, 1970, to ensure the prompt stamping of employees' insurance cards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Stamping of Insurance Cards.
72.
As my Department has had to give priority to the implementation of the new schemes and other improvements in social welfare services and benefits provided under the 1970 Act, it has not yet been possible to take final decisions in regard to the further steps to be taken to ensure prompt stamping of insurance cards. I may add that some of the measures contemplated would entail legislation.
Can we take it from the Minister that nothing has been done since the enactment of the legislation for the purpose of ensuring that those people who do not stamp employees' cards——
We have tightened up the arrangements but it may be necessary to do something further.
What exactly does the Minister mean when he says there has been some tightening up of the regulations? What particular action has been taken which has resulted in this tightening up?
The surveys carried out by our outdoor staff and by local agents have been investigated and publicity in the press and on radio and television has been intensified in so far as is possible.
If a person who has been stamping cards for a number of years fails to submit stamped cards in any particular year, could the Minister say if an investigation will be carried out within a reasonable time to ensure that the cards are sent in because it is such delays that cause a lot of the trouble?
From personal knowledge I am aware that a good deal of the trouble arises when something goes wrong in the case of big firms who may wait until the end of the year to stamp all the cards. They should be stamped regularly.
Why should not an investigation be carried out immediately if cards are not received within six months?
Such investigations are carried out frequently.
It is amazing, then, that so many people slip through the net.
Not as many as used to.