Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with colleagues in extending my sympathy to the family of the late Dick Barry. I met him on a number of occasions and was particularly friendly with his daughter Myra. I know he made a major contribution to politics over the years. I also extend my sympathy to members of the Blaney family in Donegal on their loss.

I am disappointed Senator Leyden is playing politics with the difficulties experienced by the farming community.

He knows full well that the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Deputy Simon Coveney, is working very closely with the co-ops, the financial institutions and the farming organisations and has provided subsidised transport to ensure badly needed fodder is brought into the country as a matter of urgency. The Minister has taken this matter seriously from the word go and has been working on this project with the farming organisations for the past few months. We need solidarity rather than division between politicians in respect of the task the Minister is undertaking.

Will it be possible for the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton, to come to the House for a discussion about the length of time it is taking to have applications for carer's allowance and disability pensions and benefits processed? This is unacceptable, particularly applications for carer's allowance. It is taking medical personnel too long to review appeals. We want to keep elderly people in their homes for as long as possible and out of nursing homes. The carer's allowance is critical in achieving this. It is totally unacceptable that in some cases it can be up to six months before anybody looks at these appeals. I would like for the Minister to come here to discuss how we can streamline the process and get more timely results and decisions from the Department.