Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their evidence. I particularly thank Mr. Hannafin for his evidence. We can take that evidence in respect of performance reporting. The Department comes before the committee on an annual basis regarding the performance report. A lot of the content in Mr. Hannafin's submission can be addressed in the performance reporting by the Department. We will bring this to its attention in that context. I am amazed at his experience regarding the fact his disability allowance was rejected on review. It went for appeal but it was only when he went to a TD that a miscalculation as regards income was identified. It was being calculated on a weekly rather than a fortnightly basis. That should have come up very early on in that review. That system should not have failed Mr. Hannafin. The point he made regarding the complexity of the system, the ambiguity of the information provided, and the provision of a helpline, is something we could look at in the context of our performance reporting engagement with the Department. I particularly thank him for his evidence.

The issue taken up by Ms Phelan and Ms Porter regarding the discrepancy in appeal rates is, again, something the committee can look at with the Department in the context of performance reporting. We will engage with it on that.

There are two critical issues here. One is that we should try to facilitate people with a disability to access, where they can, education, training and employment without barriers being put in place. There is also the dignity aspect in getting access to even a minimum income, to the travel pass, and to the medical card for many people, which cannot be ignored.

I thank the witnesses for their evidence. I will point out to them that the committee has sought public submissions for our pre-budget submission to the Department. If they have any views on inputs in that regard, we would be delighted to hear from them. Ms Phelan wanted to come in before we wrap up.