Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her response so far. It is true that this is exceptional and not the norm, as the Minister acknowledged in what she said. That is vitally important because it would not be a Topical Issue if it was normal. What really sticks with people is the fact that it happened out of the blue and the first they knew about it was when the money did not appear in their accounts. They had received no correspondence from the Department about what was happening or indicating that there was a change taking place. Something could have been communicated to them to tell them to expect delays because of the change. These are the customers of the Department if we look at it in an economic sense and it has let them down badly. If it was Dunnes Stores or Bank of Ireland, we would be jumping up and down and saying it is not acceptable that they should treat people like this. I get on very well with officials in the Department which is generally very good in dealing with clients and customers and gives them a good response, but in this instance it has failed. That has to be acknowledged and recognised by it. People are suffering as a result and that also has to be recognised by the Department. That is why I have asked the Minister if she will apply the stand-alone compensatory payment for people who have incurred genuine extra costs through no fault of their own. They depend on this system which has failed them and let them down. The Minister should issue an exceptional needs payment to them.

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