Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy asked about the ongoing consultation process. As I said, all the issues relating to the appeals mechanisms which are available at present, such as court appeals, and the alternative systems or structures which could be put in place have been examined. The group has highlighted 34 specific questions and invited the respondents to the consultation process to address them. It is intended to streamline the entire system, to make it more coherent than the system which has developed since the foundation of the State, and to try to get consumers and businesses to come together to develop a public view on narrowing the focus of what appeals should be.

On the issue of poverty difficulties, the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, has already announced the changes for those in receipt of units who will be protected from increases in this area.

A number of possibilities exist to improve the appeals system and views on various models and options are being sought as part of the ongoing consultation process. I do not wish to prejudice the outcome and I look forward to seeing proposals emanate from the group on what is a very important issue because such issues influence how action occurs in a number of areas. The country is far more attractive, and business and consumer interests are helped, when such issues are presented clearly.

See this speech in context