asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has satisfied himself with the present appeals system operating within his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals System.
38.
A review of the social welfare appeals system has been undertaken but the examination of the matter has not yet been completed.
When does the Minister hope to have this review completed? Does he realise how inefficient this present service is. There are a lot of people waiting up to six and nine months for a decision on unemployment benefit. It is a critical matter.
In relation to the question which was asked about the appeals system the review has been undertaken and has not been completed but there is a consideration which arises at this stage and that is that the review has to be considered now in the light of the forthcoming Ombudsman Bill. That is one of the factors which must now be taken into consideration.
Is the Minister aware that delays of this type are causing a severe hardship where payment has been stopped awaiting the outcome of an appeal and there are people without any income whatever awaiting the results of an appeal? If the Minister is aware of that can he tell us when this inquiry might be completed in order to facilitate these people?
I will certainly treat it as a matter of urgency.
That is not an answer.
Is the Minister aware that for the last ten minutes there was nobody in the Labour benches and that there is only one Deputy there now?
(Cavan-Monaghan): Is the Minister aware that Deputy Loughnane is about to leave?