asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of claims for unemployment assistance for decision at Fermoy and Mallow employment offices, County Cork; and if he will give a breakdown of the claims on a weekly basis from 1 October, 1982 to date.

The number of claims for unemployment assistance awaiting decision at Fermoy employment office is 55 and at Mallow employment office 51.

The answer to the second part of the question is in the form of a tabular statement which I propose to circulate with the Official Report. Following is the statement:

Mallow Employment Office

Fermoy Employment Office

Will the Minister explain why 55 people are awaiting a decision in Fermoy and 51 in Mallow? People have complained to me that they must wait up to 20 weeks for a decision. Will the Minister investigate this matter with a view to speeding up the procedure? In my area many self-employed people such as farmers and business men have not had any other option as a result of the downturn in the recession but to apply for employment assistance. However, because of the investigation procedure they must wait a long time for a decision. It is grossly unfair that people must go weekly to their Garda station or post office to sign on. It is degrading and inhumane.

I appreciate the Deputy's concern and I can assure him that I will investigate any undue delay in the payment of any benefit.

Will the Minister consider having the files left in the local offices because the officials there have a greater knowledge of the applicant for assistance?

The Deputy should ask a question.

This is the first time I have asked a supplementary. The Chair should understand my frustration and have patience with me.

I will have patience but I am anxious to get the Deputy off on the right foot.

Many people in my area are down and out as a result of the recession. We hear a lot about social welfare abuse and one of the reasons for it is that those who are lucky to get employment for a short period do not sign off because it takes so long to get back on to assistance. The Minister should insist on the files being left in the local office for assessment and decision. That would be a major step forward. In my area the files go from Fermoy to Dublin, back to Cork and then back to the local office. That is a ridiculous and inefficient method of dealing with these matters.

I will investigate the question of the files but the Deputy should bear in mind that if we had files all over the place we would not have any central record. I accept that people should not have to wait for payments they are entitled to. I will pursue the matter to ensure that claims are expedited.

I should like an assurance from the Minister that people will be informed in writing of the outcome of their claims within a reasonable period.

I give the Deputy that assurance. It is the wish of all Ministers for Social Welfare to have claims expedited.

Often at the end of the day the decision is negative.

It is in their interest to continue to sign on to get the credits. Otherwise they would be out of benefit. I will follow up the question of getting it done quickly.

Can we have an assurance that these people will be informed and that they will not be left waiting and worrying and in a humiliating position?

I will have claims like that expedited.

27.