Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this Bill.

The budget demonstrates the success of the improved economy. It was the Government's first opportunity since coming to office to show those who are in receipt of social support that the improvement in the economy is having a positive effect on their lives. The reduction to 9.3% in the unemployment figures is something nobody could have dreamt of forecasting five years ago. We now have jobseekers back at work. As the previous speaker said that is vital for the well being of the family and especially the self worth of the person in respect of their contribution. That the carer's allowance will be paid for an additional six weeks after the death of a loved one is welcome. That is a very trying time for an individual who has cared for somebody for many years and who has devoted their life to the wellbeing of a loved one. It is a welcome development. The cut off was cruel as the day after the burial the income to the household was reduced.

I wish to raise the issue of communication for people making application to the Department of Social Protection in respect of the eligibility criteria for various schemes. Sometimes the information is not sufficient to ensure the person submits the documentation necessary for a speedy decision on their application for benefit. Frequently, numerous letters are toing and froing seeking clarification for a decision on an application. An example is invalidity pension where there has to be an indication that a person will not work again. If somebody says a person is unable to work for the foreseeable future, what does that mean? The foreseeable future could be a month, six months or a year. A pension is for life. There must be a way of disseminating that on sheets or whatever. Sometimes people are told they can get it on the Internet. As we discussed last night, some people are lost when it comes to the Internet because they are not computer literate.

I welcome the Bill.

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