Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Can I come in on the issue of the consultants' letters versus GPs' letters? One of the significant issues coming across my desk is the length of time people must wait to get a consultant's letter, which adds to the delay. We have had contact from people who are under pressure and who have been waiting up to five weeks just to get a letter from a consultant. This adds to the delays. I know this is not something for which the Department is responsible, but there is a cost involved as well. Some people are being charged for a consultant's letter, although they have little or no means. They know a consultant's letter carries more weight, but the length of time it takes to get it and the cost associated puts even more pressure on them. Can that be taken into account by the Department when it is examining particular files?