Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I extend my thanks to the organisers of the Tree of Hope event who were on the lawn this morning. The planting of a Tree of Hope was respectful, bracing and uplifting. I hope we will all ponder and enjoy it as we walk around the gardens.

The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Leo Varadkar, is in a bit of trouble this morning over the backlog of maternity benefit payments, for which he has apologised. I recognise the urgent need for resources to deal with the backlog which extends to several months. The Department is telling anxious and soon-to-be mothers that it is not possible to give an accurate date as to when applications will be processed and paid. Some are on half an income, but others have no income whatsoever. However, rent, mortgage and bill payments still need to be made. The advice given to go and beg in Intreo or local welfare offices for a loan is unsatisfactory, especially if one needs to bundle up a newborn. The situation is stressful. I ask the Minister to come to the House to set out a clear and immediate plan to resolve the issue. The problem seems to extend throughout the Department. Backlogs in paying carer's allowance, family income supplement and paternity benefit extend to several months. We need to ask the Minister to concentrate on this issue to ensure the smooth running of his Department. It is a less easy catch for him than talking to the media about the fraud line, known colloquially as the "Rat for Leo Line". We need to get the Department in order first.