Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I understand the argument but I will put it back on the record that if we are talking about benchmarking then we need to get serious about it. We cannot always consider one-off payments. I understand why at times there is a need for an element of flexibility in setting budgets. However, we need to look at the idea of something that provides adequacy of payments. If we come up with figures on benchmarking based on what was best practice, with a considerable amount of due diligence done by a large number of officials on this 34% of gross average earnings, then we have to take it seriously. Again, I state that a social welfare adequacy commission is the way to go. I also put on the record, as I will hardly get to the question, that I brought up with the Minister delays around the processing time for disability payments and allowance applications. We need to look at that, and I will send the Minister of State something in writing on it.

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