Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of Parliamentary Questions replied to by his Department in 2006; the cost involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4610/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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A total of 5,083 Parliamentary Questions were tabled for my Department in 2006. This is an increase of 10% on the number tabled in 2005. Of these, 3,315 (65%) were withdrawn by the deputies and the remaining 1,768 (35%) were answered. The bulk of the 3,315 questions withdrawn related to problems that claimants were experiencing which could be resolved immediately or where the problem had already been resolved. In these cases a letter confirming the position was issued to the Deputy. Of the 1,768 questions answered, 1,389 received a written reply and 379 were answered orally.

In relation to cost it is not possible in the time available to give the total cost involved in preparing replies to Parliamentary Questions. The costs associated with answering a question can vary considerably depending on the nature of the enquiry and the level of detail that needs to be obtained. As the processing of Parliamentary Questions is undertaken as part of the normal day to day work of individual sections within the Department it is not possible to isolate the costs of processing Parliamentary Questions from the overall administrative costs of the Department.

Every effort is made to facilitate deputies making enquiries about individuals' entitlements to social welfare without having to resort to Parliamentary Questions. In this regard, my Department operates a special "hot-line" telephone service for deputies to enable them make such enquiries.