Mr. Michael Kirrane:

When an application is received it is looked at by the staff in INIS, who make a summary of the case. They look through it and engage to make sure there is a complete application. All of this documentation is then made available to the individual members of the committee, who meet approximately four times a year. Each application is discussed and a decision is reached on whether it will be recommended to the Minister for approval. At the end of each meeting the cases are summarised and presented to the Minister for approval.