Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

We spent two hours today speaking about reform of the Seanad, Dáil and Oireachtas procedures. The first step we could take is reformation of the replies to questions raised on the Adjournment. I did not ask for the information given in the reply provided by the Minister of State. All I heard was what carers are entitled to. I know well what they are entitled to, as do the Minister of State and all my colleagues. I asked why the Department could not send out a reminder. There is one line in the reply that refers to this: “It is not the case that carer's benefit claims are routinely reviewed after 12 months.” Why are my clients having their payments stopped? The Minister of State may not be able to answer as he is not in the Department of Social Protection. Why are payments stopped because individuals need to send in further documentation? A form needs to be filled out. It is sent to the individuals, who must take it to their employer. The reply, presumably prepared by an official in the Department, is saying it is not the case that carer's benefit claims are routinely reviewed after 12 months but I contend they are because my clients' payments continue to be stopped because of the form not being filled out. Somebody is getting the message wrong. I did not need to be told about carer's leave or the respite care grant, the half rate and the full rate. I know all about them. We could start by reforming the way in which Ministers answer questions during Adjournment debates. To be honest, this reply is a load of rubbish. I am not getting at the Minister of State-----