Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

During our previous session I welcomed the Minister, Katherine Zappone, to the Chamber and I thanked her for the work she did. I now also thank the Minister, Regina Doherty, for the work she has done. It is ironic that the two Ministers before us today were not successful in retaining their seats. I thank the Minister, Regina Doherty, and all of her departmental staff for their work on behalf of hundreds of thousands of people. It shows that the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection is one of the better Departments, although all Departments are good. The staff of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection are to be complimented on their outstanding work in regard to this issue. I also thank the staff of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

There is one issue about which I am concerned, namely, the number of pensioners who feel hard done by. They wish that the age limit would be waived. Most of them are very angry and they feel let down, which was mentioned earlier by other speakers. Is there a reason this issue cannot be resolved? There are only a small percentage of people involved. Is there a reason for this of which we are not aware? Many people have contacted Deputies on this issue over recent weeks.

On the pandemic unemployment payment, for how long will it remain in place such that people can plan for the future and what is the estimated cost of this scheme going forward? I again pay tribute to the staff of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, in particular in its offices in my constituency of Sligo-Leitrim, north Roscommon and south Donegal. People often complain about the public sector. On this occasion, they have no reason to complain as staff have gone beyond the call of duty. I again thank them for their service.

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