Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

I will be brief because I understand Deputy Timmins's point. I am not certain that this relates entirely to time limits, though specific time limits are important. Normally there is a 28 day period during which one may appeal, whether with regard to planning, social welfare or any such area. This is usually transposed from one piece of legislation to another so I do not understand why it has not been included in this case. Deputy Higgins's proposed amendments Nos. 27 and 28 also addressed this matter, which relates to a lack of clarity on why a passport may be refused, withheld or withdrawn. A clear appeals system to an independent body applies in the case of social welfare and one's passport is as valuable a document as one's social welfare record. I do not understand the restrictions in this case and I think the Minister should have accepted any one of these amendments.

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