Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I am not aware of any backlog and it is unlikely one would develop at this stage, particularly now that the escalation of the strike has been stood down. It is important that people realise that given that applications must be made in writing, that they will be dealt with. People should download the relevant forms or obtain them from the Department's offices and submit their applications.

Our intention always is to serve the public. We want to ensure the best possible service continues to be delivered, as is the case in all the local offices throughout the country, and to ensure people can get the information they need and have their applications processed.

At present, local offices will be closed during lunch-hour and telephones will not be answered during that period. Hopefully people will be able to contact the offices during office hours outside lunch-hour. Given that the people concerned will engage in further discussions at the Labour Relations Commission tomorrow, I sincerely hope both sides can reach a resolution of the dispute in the interests of the public.

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