asked the Minister for Social Welfare the training, if any, that is being provided at present to those officers in his Department who are in the first line of contact with the public seeking social welfare entitlements.

Officers in my Department who are in the first line of contact with the public seeking social welfare entitlements are given appropriate training and instruction in the administration of the legislation governing these entitlements and, in particular, in the importance of helpfulness, courtesy and consideration in dealing with members of the public.

Is the Minister aware that there is a considerable degree of concern amongst those people who apply for benefits that they are not receiving the attention they deserve? Is the Minister further aware that I telephoned the information department of the Department of Social Welfare about a particular aspect of some problem and was told they could not answer it; they suggested I telephone another number. If I was forced to do that would the Minister not consider it a lot more troublesome to members of the public who would be told to do so? Would that information not contradict that in the Minister's brief there?

The Deputy is falling into the habit of—

Asking questions.

Of making speeches.