John Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and I echo his comments at the outset in relation to Denmark. I had the pleasure of meeting the Danish Ambassador in Waterford. Denmark has close links to my own city of Waterford. It was only last week that we had the announcement of increased shipping capacities between Waterford Port and Amsterdam, which was hugely welcome. In light of the appalling cyber attack on the HSE committed by criminals with no regard for human life, I want to commend our front line staff around the country, in particular those in University Hospital Waterford, who have had to adapt their practices massively in order to provide a safe level of care to patients. In an age where we rely on technology more and more in our daily lives, the cyber attack is a wake-up call to all organisations, State and private, that store sensitive data on behalf of people. As we in the House know, the ability to be able to get answers to representations from the HSE and Department of Health has been severely curtailed as a result of the cyber attack.

The issue I would like to raise today is the knock-on effect of this and the inability of patients to be able to get the required medical documentation that they need for appeals for applications such as disability and carer's allowance. As we know, reviews have to be submitted within 21 to 28 days. However, due to the cyber attacks I am dealing with a couple of constituents who are close to the expiry date for submitting a review but they cannot get access to the required medical documentation they need because the system is obviously not backed up and operational. Given the exceptional circumstances that we find ourselves in, it is necessary to extend that deadline for reviews and appeals until the system is fully up and running. We cannot and should not have a situation where people, through no fault of their own, have to submit new applications as a result of the system attack.

I ask that the Leader organise a debate where the Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys, could come to the House to discuss this and associated matters. Last year I raised the issue of disability benefit. I am aware of a number of issues with people transferring from benefit to allowance payments which perhaps we can discuss in the House. I would appreciate if the Leader could invite the Minister in at the earliest course.