I thank the Chair for affording me the opportunity of raising this matter on the Adjournment. I congratulate the Minister on his appointment to the Department of Social Welfare of which I have some knowledge. I wish him every success.
The matter I raise relates to a reply to a parliamentary question tabled yesterday. The information in the reply was needed for a specific purpose today. A more serious problem may have been created because the information is out of date. The reply states that the assessment is based on self-employment and that this is based on the most recent figures available to the Department. On closer examination it was found that one of the most recent assessments was in 1993. Two Governments have come and gone since then.
The information should be updated for three reasons. First, a long time has elapsed; second, legislation relating to seasonal and part-time workers has changed in the meantime which would make it more beneficial to the person concerned; and, even more important, the whole source of the part-time employment which was in existence at that time has gone. That is the vital element which needed to be updated and brought to the attention of the Department. The assessment does not reflect that position. I am not attributing blame to the Minister. It is the fault of the system. It is important that up to date information is available at all times. I merely ask the Minister to examine the case in question. Up to date information would eliminate much of the confusion for the individual concerned.
