asked the Minister for Social Welfare why payment of a fortnight's social benefit to a person (name and address given) was withheld owing to the fact that the Department's cheque was mislaid; if he considers it right and in accordance with the spirit of the governing legislation to cause hardship to recipients by withholding payment because cheques have been lost or mislaid by State officials; and if any provision is being made to deal on a more equitable basis with further happenings of a similar nature.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Withholding of Social Benefit.
74.
I regret any inconvenience caused to the person named by the Deputy due to the occurrence of which he complains. I would point out, however, that delay in payment of disability benefit through the loss or mislaying of a cheque is a very rare occurrence, and I am satisfied that it would not have occurred in this case, or would at least have been reduced to a matter of a few days, if ordinary care and attention had been exercised by the local officers concerned. This aspect of the matter is being pursued with a view to ensuring against a repetition. The Deputy may in any event rest assured that procedures in my Department relating to the payment of benefit are constantly under review with a view to maintaining and improving, where possible, the high standard of service given to the public.