Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)

While I understand the constraints facing the HSE superannuation section and the loss of staff to the organisation in recent times, this issue first arose in 2005. We could accept the HSE's excuse if the issue had arisen only recently but it has been ongoing for such a long time that no excuse is acceptable. I ask that extra resources be made available to the relevant unit in order that it can process the backlogs as soon as possible.

This issue is being addressed on a regional basis and certain regions, including the former North Eastern Health Board, South Eastern Health Board, Southern Health Board and Mid-Western Health Board areas, have cleared their backlogs. This demonstrates that some regions have given it the priority it deserves and completed the work required within a seven year timeframe. It is not unreasonable to ask that the remaining regions bring some urgency to processing their backlogs in light of the time that has passed since the circular was released.

In the final analysis we are dealing with pensioners who worked in low paid jobs and do not have Rolls Royce pension pots to live on. With the economic challenges biting all in our society, pensioners are especially vulnerable. Any increase in a pensioner's income would go a long way. It might mean an extra bit of food in the fridge, or coal for the fire. I ask the Minister to make a priority of clearing these backlogs and ensure these pensioners receive what they are entitled to and that this is done urgently.

The other important point to make is that many of the people who are entitled to this have since died. That is shocking.

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