Ms Anne Marie Hoey:

A question was raised on the number of applications that are successful and those that are not. Overall, approximately 80% of all applications we receive are successful. Approximately 20% are not. That is just an overall figure in the year to date. The number of appeals we receive has reduced greatly compared even with early this year and certainly to last year. We receive approximately 20 to 25 appeals per week on average and approximately 25% to 30% are upheld. We were asked about the number who apply for a discretionary cards. People to not apply for discretionary cards as such. It is as they go through the process that discretion becomes an issue where the person does not qualify on foot of means but there is evidence of a medical condition. We take that condition into consideration and decide whether a card should be awarded based on discretion. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked how many staff we have based on the volume of work we process. Currently, we have 150 staff at the national unit in Finglas.

Deputy Sandra McLellan asked about the number for the dedicated line which is (01) 864 7180.