'Distracted Varadkar should ensure mothers receive their benefit'

Labour spokesperson on Social Protection Willie Penrose TD has called on Minister Leo Varadkar to ensure he isn’t distracted any further by his leadership ambitions and ensures that new mothers receive their maternity benefit.

Deputy Penrose said: “The failure of the minister for social protection to ensure that hundreds of new mothers can receive their maternity benefit is made worse by the fact that he didn’t even know on national radio why their payments were delayed.

“It is obvious Minister Varadkar has been distracted in recent months with his leadership ambitions, but his time would be better spent ensuring his Department functioned properly.

“I would call on Leo to ensure that the 1,300 new mothers receive their payments as soon as possible.

“It’s an expensive time for new parents, and many won’t have any other income.

“We are not talking about a lot of people, so the Minister should be able to get his Department to resolve this ASAP.”