Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That equates to the number of people who lost their jobs in the private sector in the three years prior to us going into government, which is significant.

Senator Mullen raised the issue of a register for domestic abuse offenders. That can be raised in the debate on the Private Members' motion later. He also referred to a school in Cootehill. The Government has undertaken a significant school s building programme and perhaps he can raise this issue as an Adjournment matter and elicit the information about the special needs provision in the school.

Senator Harte sought clarification on the personal insolvency legislation. We had a significant debate in the House on it and if there is need for further clarification, I will chase up an answer for him if he passes on a question.

Senator Ó Domhnaill proposed an amendment to the Order of business about printing a Bill, which I accept. He referred to the overall spend on social welfare. We can discuss that in our pre-budget deliberations, but the Government is spending €1 billion a month more than it is taking in, which is a major problem. I agree with the Senator that it is disgraceful that someone should be on a waiting list for four years for the disability allowance. There must be a blockage in the system and I am sure he can find that out, but I do not know why anybody would be on a waiting list for this allowance. Has the case gone to appeal? If so, is it being held up in the appeals office? Why is it being held up? Those questions will have to be answered and, as an Oireachtas Member, the Senator should be able to elicit a response from the Department of Social Protection. I agree that a system that stands over a four-year waiting list is not acceptable.