Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

Even the Opposition admits the Minister is doing a good job. If we were surveyed all of us would say the Department of Social and Family Affairs continues to be the best Department in terms of disseminating information. I have absolute proof of this in the business I do.

I am always sensitive about talking just about Tallaght. In the other contributions to this debate I have heard other colleagues talk about every street in their constituency, so I will talk about Dublin South-West — Tallaght, Brittas, Firhouse, Templeogue and Greenhills. The serious point is that in this century we still have a need to get information out. Many years ago I attended a function at Kimmage where a good Fine Gael man, Dr. Garret FitzGerald, made the point that many public representatives, particularly Deputies, would have time for other matters if systems were working.

I have already complimented the Department and I am not rowing back on that. We get many queries for different Departments, including the Department of Social and Family Affairs. They often relate to the system not working for the client. As the Minister has clearly indicated he wants to do, we must continue to provide a customer friendly service. Where people are unfortunate to have needs in respect of the Minister's remit, the Department should provide that type of service. We are all aware of cases when there are gaps in information and it is very important we continue to do all we can to ensure information is available.

Much progress has been made in recent times. Last week I told the Minister that the recent publication that the Department circulated to Deputies contained much good information. The staff working with me in Tallaght tell me that the information about contact points etc. continues to be improved, which is as it should be. When a constituent arrives at my full-time office in Tallaght village or at one of my eight clinics throughout my constituency seeking information, we should be able to get it easily. We should also work to allow them direct access to the information. While there will always be gaps in that regard, that is the ideal.

I will again talk about my town. I have often said here that the office of the Department of Social and Family Affairs in The Square is probably one of the best in the country and provides an excellent service. I compliment the Minister.

I note the presence of Deputy Callely, who was always very good to me when he was chairman of the Eastern Health Board.

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