Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I referred to this issue in a priority question and have raised it several times. I accept, as most people do, that staff are working flat out. However, the main concern is the customer, the person who has nothing to live on and is trying to survive. I have raised an issue with regard to people doing FÁS courses but have not received a satisfactory answer to my question. They sign off benefit, sign on with FÁS and then sign back on with the Department. That is a waste of staff time. If this issue was dealt with when it was first raised, it would have freed up time for staff. When will the Minister stop that process? Those signing on for FÁS courses get the same amount of money. Basically, all the money comes from the same Department, the Department of Finance. It makes no sense to continue with the same process. If this issue was tackled, it would immediately free up a significant amount of time for staff. It might not be enough time to deal with the problem, but it would be useful. Will we see action on that?

See this speech in context