Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister and his team for the presentation and for giving us an outline. I compliment all of his staff in the offices that deal with TDs. If those facilities were not available, it would cost his Department a fortune. I recall the days when the only opportunity we had to ask questions was by way of parliamentary questions. We know the cost of all those. Apart from the fact that the service is available, they are always very kind, courteous and helpful and respond quickly, whether to a telephone call or email. I compliment them. They are behind the scenes. We do not know their faces but we must give them credit.

I refer to reviews and appeals. It is very clever that those who are refused allowances can request a review and an appeal at the same time. A review is responded to very quickly but the appeal takes a long time. Will the Minister let us know the reason for the long delays in appeals? It can take a considerable amount of time before the file can go from Longford to Dublin. Perhaps it is the complexities and the shortage of staff.

Social welfare payments are vitally important because they are paid to families who have no other source of income. They could not survive without them. I have no doubt about the Christmas bonus next year. I know it will come. I was here all through those years. I have no doubt in the world that if Deputy Calleary is Minister, he will insist those payments be made.

I find there is a difficulty with the carer's support grant, which is paid once a year. It is paid on a particular date providing they receive carer's benefit, carer's allowance or, in some circumstances, other allowances. I am aware of cases where, if the person died the day before the allowance was due, they did not receive it. I would appreciate if the Minister would have a look at that and that there would be a pro rata payment. It is fairly harsh. I am aware of examples where officials fully understand but they say that is the legislation and that is it. Perhaps the Minister might look at a pro rata payment. When a person has been a carer for 51 weeks and the person dies, they lose the €1,700 which is quite a generous payment.