I want a simple answer to this question. What recourse do the public have when it comes to non-payment of disability and pay-related benefits when the Dáil is not sitting? Do they have to wait three or four months? I know that one Deputy has resorted to sending telegrams to the Minister, but do we all have to do that? What recourse do we have once this House closes down for four or five months?

I said here earlier — and again I am sorry the Deputy was not here for a discussion — that I have placed my office and my staff available on overtime. The Deputy is very welcome to come in to meet them. I know some Deputies deal with them personally on the telephone. I know that we have a specific person in the Department dealing with a secretary for the Deputy and dealing continuously with that secretary for the Deputy. It is a bit annoying then to find that, notwithstanding the very excellent service which is given, the Deputy in question puts down questions which have been answered some time ago. That is the service which is available. What happens is that the question currently is dealt with; it is passed on to the section in the Department and they are asked for the information that is requested by the Deputy. An acknowledgement is sent to the Deputy and as soon as the information is available for the Department the replies can be prepared.

34.