Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The numbers are overwhelming but we still expect to be able to make decisions by mid-summer because I think it is important for everybody that the delay is not too long. The efficiency has improved immensely. Out of 1,592 applications last time, approximately one third were ruled out. However, the Department has made extraordinarily detailed arrangements around the country, with workshops, helplines and other information being communicated to people so that will not happen this time. There will be a massive number of applications but the number of invalid applications will be much lower. The assessment process has to be agreed among the two Ministers fairly shortly.