Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is important to put that in context, which is that applications in excess of 250,000 per year are being dealt with by INIS. Members of this committee will be well aware of the diverse and varying functions of the body but I am very keen to ensure that any timeframes are kept at a minimum. Members will agree that there is need for certain scrutiny and for security issues to be taken into account but the increased staffing will allow for a greater throughput of cases in a shorter timeframe.

I acknowledge the importance of the service improvement plan, which is indicative of an admission on the part of the group that improvements could be made. I am not sure if the committee had an opportunity to discuss that plan in detail but it might be worthwhile doing so in the meantime. I assure the Deputy of a further investment in technology, increased staffing numbers and a customer focused disposition on the part of everybody in INIS to ensure that the service is efficient and effective.