20-week wait for jobseekers’ allowance

DOZENS of people have been waiting more than 20 weeks for jobseekers’ allowance in parts of Co Cork.

The appalling delays were highlighted by Deputy Jim O’Keeffe after he tabled a Dáil question to Minister for Social Welfare Mary Hanafin.

She confirmed to the Fine Gael TD that, in Bandon alone, there are 30 applicants waiting more than 20 weeks, while 23 have been waiting between 15 and 20 weeks.