Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Deputy Leader to arrange a debate with the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Hanafin, with a view to improving services at social welfare offices for those who must claim unemployment benefits and assistance. The photograph of queues outside a social welfare office in Cork, which was published in today's Irish Independent, is totally unacceptable. I raised this issue in the 1970s when circumstances were similar and I raise it again today. I ask the Minister to provide proper facilities for those who apply for unemployment payments. The Department of Social and Family Affairs has a variety of premises available to it, such as Citizens Advice Bureau offices, FÁS buildings and community centres. Surely it could take an initiative to avoid the spectacle of upset and depressed people standing in front of their fellow citizens in the rain and cold. A similar photograph was published last week depicting a queue in Dún Laoghaire. This is happening throughout the country and it is time the Minister took control of the matter and provided facilities which allow people to retain their dignity as they apply for their just entitlements. The number of unemployed is rising constantly and people are demanding action.