Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Many of the issues raised were discussed during the debate on the Private Members' Bill introduced by Deputy O'Dea regarding the setting of minimum times for appeal, during which debate statistics and analysis in that regard were put on the record of the House. During that debate, I made the point to Deputy O'Dea that at every step of the process provision is made for submission of additional information, which provision is not provided for in many other countries. In other words, at review and appeal levels the applicant is permitted to provide additional information. This, in many ways, leads to an increased success rate of appeals. On many occasions, people do not submit sufficient information at the start of the process.

In regard to the question raised by Deputy Collins, I think the salary is approximately €80,000 per annum, which is equivalent to the Deputy's salary or that of a principal officer.