John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Page 70 of the programme for Government includes a commitment to improve the lives of people on welfare payments through providing better access and supports. I do not know if the Taoiseach is aware that in recent times the medical form that needs to be signed to receive illness benefit payments was changed without consultation with general practitioners. It is creating a severe backlog. Coupled with the centralisation of decision-making in such cases and the absolute inability of anybody to contact the helpline in the Department when applying for the payment, it is leading to unnecessary delays and hardship. What measures are being put in place to alleviate the unnecessary delays in receiving a payment that is paid for by those claiming it through their stamps? I am receiving numerous calls at my constituency clinics. The new form is creating hardship all over the country. The issue needs to be addressed immediately.

See this speech in context