Mark Wall (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome our guests. I agree with previous speakers in regard to in-person oral hearings, which are so important for many people I deal with. As public representatives, we have attended those hearings in the past and found them to be useful in supporting our constituents and dealing with them. Will that continue to be part of the new regulations, whereby public representatives will be allowed to attend? It is important that there be no limitations on public representatives attending due to the new regulations.

Mr. McKeon talked about the outcomes of the oral hearings and having a lot more information provided. Will he comment on why a decision such as that was made? He said that the Department is doing dealings with various groups, but why are we now looking at providing that additional information? In the past, unfortunately, it was limited information and we often had to revert to the appeals office, which was nonetheless helpful. Why is such a decision being made now and will Mr. McKeon comment on the decision itself?