The programme for Government has committed to the full implementation of the national maternity strategy, yet the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Varadkar, seems confused about something as basic as the current waiting times for the payment of maternity benefit. In a reply to a parliamentary question four weeks ago, he stated that the average waiting time was 17.7 weeks. This morning on the radio, however, he stated that it was between four and six weeks. Some clarity is necessary. Given that the Minister referred to 17.7 weeks only a few weeks ago, why is he only now committing to taking on additional staff and providing overtime to clear these unsatisfactory delays? He seems to be zen about when the Taoiseach will be departing and the latter's long goodbye, but he is also zen about maternity benefits.

This might be more suitable as a Topical Issue.

Advising expectant mothers to sign on for the supplementary welfare allowance is totally unacceptable. Why is there any delay and when will the additional staff be taken on to deal with these unsatisfactory delays?

Deputy Ó Laoghaire, on the same issue.

Approximately 3,000 women are waiting on these payments. It is a time in people's lives when there are considerable extra costs. These women and their families are effectively being left without income. The Minister, Deputy Varadkar, has pointed to supplementary welfare and exceptional needs payments. In reality, though, and as he knows well, a great deal of these women and families will not qualify for those payments.

Will the Taoiseach commit to taking on the additional staff and directing community welfare officers to exercise additional discretion and give wider latitude in terms of those women who are affected by this unacceptable delay?

I thank the Deputy but I suggest that he table a Topical Issue. Does the Taoiseach wish to comment?

Are they being defrauded by the Department of Social Protection?

I agree with the Ceann Comhairle. Obviously, if there is a scheme in place, people should not be expected to have to wait. I am quite sure that the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, is acutely aware of this now and will deal with the matter. Obviously, he did introduce the paternity benefits. This is always a time, by and large in the vast majority of cases, of great excitement in a family home. Obviously, to have a scheme, one would expect it to work, so I will discuss that with the Minister and make sure that the facilities are there to pay mothers quickly in respect of their newly-born children.