David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 8:

In page 7, between lines 8 and 9, to insert the following:

"(5) Each application for a personal advocate shall be considered within a reasonable timeframe of the date of application.".

We discussed this issue on Committee Stage. The amendment tries to insert a timeframe in the Bill as no specific timeframe is indicated. All the Bill stipulates with regard to dealing with applications is "within a reasonable timeframe". The amendment tries to give some impetus so that each application will be considered within a reasonable timeframe from the date of application. I am concerned that because of the lack of a timeframe people could be left waiting for some time, despite the fact that is not the intention of either the Minister or the Oireachtas. Other legislation has a provision such as that provided by this amendment in order to give some impetus and to place an onus on the people providing the service.

See this speech in context