I extend my thanks to the organisers of the Tree of Hope event who were on the lawn this morning. The planting of a Tree of Hope was respectful, bracing and uplifting. I hope we will all ponder and enjoy it as we walk around the gardens.

The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Varadkar, is in a bit of trouble this morning over the backlog of maternity benefit payments, for which he has apologised. I recognise the urgent need for resources to deal with the backlog which extends to several months. The Department is telling anxious and soon-to-be mothers that it is not possible to give an accurate date as to when applications will be processed and paid. Some are on half an income, but others have no income whatsoever. However, rent, mortgage and bill payments still need to be made. The advice given to go and beg in Intreo or local welfare offices for a loan is unsatisfactory, especially if one needs to bundle up a newborn. The situation is stressful. I ask the Minister to come to the House to set out a clear and immediate plan to resolve the issue. The problem seems to extend throughout the Department. Backlogs in paying carer's allowance, family income supplement and paternity benefit extend to several months. We need to ask the Minister to concentrate on this issue to ensure the smooth running of his Department. It is a less easy catch for him than talking to the media about the fraud line, known colloquially as the "Rat for Leo Line". We need to get the Department in order first.

I welcome the move made by the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Varadkar, to deal with the pension anomaly. I have been involved in dealing with it since the legislation was initially introduced, but I compliment my colleague, Senator Bacik, on the work she has done on it and, in particular, producing the first Bill to deal with it. However, I think it is too narrow as it seems to focus particularly on the David Parris case. There are further anomalies outside it. I hope it will be possible to work with the Minister to tweak the legislation, but I am very pleased that he has taken up the issue. We had a meeting this morning with the Russian ambassador organised by the Leader, Senator Jerry Buttimer, about the horrendous treatment of gay men in Chechnya. The ambassador pointed to the pension anomaly as a blot on the Irish reputation, so it actually has a certain international currency. I think it is too narrow.

Thank you, a Chathaoirligh-----

I am sorry but there was one other matter. I ask Senator Reilly to forgive me for interrupting.

The Senator is well over the limit but if he is brief, I will allow him.

I apologise but this is something that was drawn to my attention by Senator Bacik. The provisions of the legislation appear to exclude Dr. David Parris. The legislation asserts that a claim for redress in respect of a breach of the principle of equal pension treatment-----

That is a matter that can be dealt with in the debate, Senator Norris.

-----on the sexual orientation ground must be made within three years of the date the employee married or entered into a civil partnership. That excludes Dr. Parris.

That is a matter that can be dealt with during the debate on the legislation.