Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

None of us would expect to get full approval. When I was appointed seven or eight months ago one of the first documents I received concerned the recommendation arising from the review group. I held consultations with representatives of the various bodies concerned and with the social partners. There was not complete support for the proposals and there was concern about the next phase, the proposed setting up of an implementation group. In view of that I sought to have an independent assessment of the initial reports carried out. This was done by the former Secretary General of the Department, Mr. Kevin Bonner, who also carried out consultations with the bodies involved and made some changes to the initial recommendations.

At this stage, they command a considerable level of support. The initial reason for establishing the review group was the strong belief that considerable difficulty is experienced by people who have to access the system due to the fact that there are seven bodies and 25 pieces of legislation. Complications arise from that position, including cost factors.

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