Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

The HSE has advised the Department that a new appeals process and associated guidelines will be in place within eight weeks. It is unlikely that there will be significant changes in the current appeals process on foot of this Bill. The HSE has advised that the current appeals officers will continue to consider appeals under the new system. It has advised that a single appeals process will be in place throughout the country.

I draw Deputies' attention to the fact that individuals will now have 60 days to make an appeal, as opposed to 28 days under the current system. It is considered that the provisions currently contained in the Bill provide for a fair, transparent and robust national appeals system. Therefore, it is not considered necessary to make any amendments to them.

The appeals system is similar to that which operates for social welfare claims. We are quite clear on the guidelines and thresholds. People will have a reasonable idea before they make an application as to whether it is likely to be successful. Having more than one appeals provision in the scheme would be unusual and unnecessary. I am not in a position, therefore, to accept the proposed amendments.

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