Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This relates to the number of applications for disability allowance and the number of refusals. We will all be aware of the cumbersome process from our constituency offices. My recollection of the hearing was that a fairly decent number were approved after additional information was sought. The Department, given the volume of refusals, needs to look at updating its systems and not have it as cumbersome as it is.

Perhaps we should write to the Department to see if it is putting a plan in place to make the application process less cumbersome and more efficient. The delays when people are applying for disability allowance that they are entitled to can go to six or eight months at times. It would be no harm if we asked if the Department had a plan in place to reduce the number of applications that are required to go to appeal before they are even accepted and to speed up the process in general, even if it was only a further letter with the application if they made that available in the application form itself specifying all of the additional to be submitted with the form. It is so cumbersome and so frustrating for people. I just thought it might be an idea to write to the Department to see if it has such a plan in place or it is putting a plan in place for that.