Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

The applications are processed in a manner which preserves the necessary checks and balances to ensure it is not undervalued and given only to persons who satisfy the necessary qualifying criteria. On average, the processing time is 30 months. This is primarily due to the significant increase in the volume of applications received in recent years. Generally, such applications are dealt with in chronological order as this method is deemed fairest to all applicants.

These applications eventually land on my desk and clear rules and guidelines exist, and I am anxious to establish and see to it that this is the case. I will examine the 1956 Act as amended and the discretion the Minister enjoys with regard to adults, children and spouses to consider whether it is more desirable to have a separate arrangement in respect of each.

I can furnish the Deputy with a table which shows the increase in the number of applications in the past two——

See this speech in context