Brendan Ryan (Labour)

I had intended to be parochial, but I will skip that part in the interests of time.

I wish to raise two issues associated with employment and unemployment. The unemployment figures, quoted by many, are distressing, but the trauma of being unemployed is more harsh for many. Anxiety, depression, stress and low self-esteem are just some of the social pressures with which an unemployed person may need to contend as a direct result of losing his or her job. People are forced to deal with social welfare services for the first time, possibly a lengthy process and soul destroying experience. It is a disgrace that it can take up to 22 weeks to receive job seeker's allowance. In the meantime, many of our constituents believe they must go cap in hand to community welfare officers to tide them over until their claims are processed. The social welfare system should act as a support system during this difficult period. However, owing to the massive increase in numbers, it is under considerable strain.

Those unlucky enough to be turned down and who appeal the decision must face a wait of six months on average, longer if granted an oral hearing. These waiting periods are too long for those who find themselves out of work. In 2008, 39% of appeals were granted in respect of jobseeker's benefit. The people concerned should not have been kept waiting. The statistic is too high and must be addressed urgently. Some 39% of deciding officers' decisions were found to be incorrect. The decisions in some 28% of jobseeker's allowance cases, equating to a figure of 660, were overturned, with the decisions in respect of 41% of jobseeker's allowance means tests. The number of successful appeals means there is an issue that must be addressed. If this is not the Minister of State's responsibility, I ask him to take up the matter with the relevant Minister. I could raise it elsewhere but doing so in this context is important.

The Minister of State has responsibility for another matter. Many employed persons are not receiving their legal entitlements and are being exploited by unscrupulous employers. The National Employment Rights Authority, NERA, revealed in its review of 2009 that more than 6,000 full-time and part-time workers — I am particularly concerned about the latter group as the people concerned are trying to earn a few extra bob to get themselves through — had been paid less than their statutory minimum entitlements to the tune of €2.5 million in total, or an average of €410 per person. Despite NERA's good work, Government cutbacks have forced it to reduce the number of labour inspectors from 80 to 69. Does the Minister of State believe like me that this is only the tip of the iceberg? Many are of the view that NERA should not be intervening and that in doing so it puts pressure on employers, but it is merely enforcing the legislation enacted in these Houses. It is examining these serious problems. Immediate action is required.

I will conclude on that point, as I want to share the remainder of my time with my colleagues, Senators O'Malley and Alex White.