Mr. John Hennessy:

I will conclude. The scheme covers a lot and deals with almost 2 million people, approximately 100,000 new applications per annum, 8 million pieces of correspondence per annum and nearly 20,000 calls to the centre per week. A lot of people are very satisfied with the service that is now available and the online application process. Obviously there are a small number of people who are not and we intend to manage, deal with and close out those queries and thus end complaints.

We have a complaints procedure which is available to all. There is a procedure and process for handling and dealing with those cases. The appeals system deals with approximately 6,000 appeals per annum and in an efficient manner. We also have an access route for Oireachtas Members which enables them to contact us. If there are problems with it please let us know and we will deal with them.