John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

Can the Leader arrange to have the Minister for Finance attend the House at the earliest opportunity to discuss the recent surge in the rate of inflation? Over the past few months, the rate has risen above 4%, which is well in excess of the rates in neighbouring EU member states and is higher than the projection made by the Government at the beginning of the year. I would like to hear the Minister's explanation on the matter as soon as possible. This factor could seriously undermine the economy as we face the future.

Can the Leader ascertain from the Minister for Social and Family Affairs whether the delay which arose about six months ago in the processing of applications for the old age pension has been rectified? It was brought to my attention that several thousand people who had reached pension age were sent letters by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to inform them their pensions would not be processed for up to 16 weeks. While they may subsequently receive back payments on their pensions, they would have to live off their own funds in the meantime. This is a serious issue for people who, after working all their lives, reach the age of 66. It is not a significant problem for those who have built up reserves but for the majority who have not and who must rely on the State pension, it is a major hardship. I ask that the matter be addressed as soon as possible.