Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Deputies will know from previous discussions that the system for dealing with domiciliary care allowance applications was changed. All of the timelines were changed in order to facilitate applicants who had to get a letter from consultants. Chairman, may I make a suggestion that perhaps a committee hearing with the officials would be beneficial. The systems are improving all the time. I know the collective wisdom of members on this matter is very considerable and it is helpful for officials to meet members. If one has not been in a social welfare office, let me invite him or her to visit an Intreo office and meet officials and talk to the local officials. That might help Deputy Collins to help her constituents. The Department is spending €47 million, a significant spend each year on CIB and MABS. Citizens Information give a great deal of information to people.