asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will furnish details of developments, if any, in relation to the social welfare appeal referred to in a reply to a parliamentary question of 6th July, 1971.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Appeal.
70.
At the request of the appellant's solicitor the hearing has been postponed and the date for the rehearing has been arranged for 10th November, 1971.
Will the Minister not agree it is a little bit much to say that something which was under active consideration on 6th July is only coming for appeal on 10th November, irrespective of whether a request for an adjournment has now been asked for?
Yes. It seems a very long time, but all the fault would not be on our side.
I think if any of the fault is on the Department's side it is wrong. The Minister must do something about the one section of the Department that is not living up to the Department's reputation, that is, the appeals section.
They can be very busy at times.
They must be very busy at all times.
I am not making excuses.