Paul Donnelly (Dublin West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their report, which I have read through. I have a couple of quick questions but one thing that has been really bothering me in recent years is the word "customers" creeping in with reference to services that we provide. I find it objectionable. We should be using the word "citizens" instead. The Department is not a business and the service users are not customers of the State; they are citizens of the State who have an entitlement to services. I just wanted to make that point before asking some questions.

Would new entrants or claimants get different payments or what way would that work? Throughout the document there are references to existing claimants but there is no reference to new ones. Will there be any difference for new people applying for any of the payments?

My second question relates to consultation. The Department has only started a consultation process but I have already received a number of emails, as have other Senators and Deputies I am sure, from people who are really concerned. Those concerns are based on the British model and I welcome the fact our guests have said the system will not be based on that model. I am interested to hear what kind of feedback the Department has received from its initial consultations.