Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

Obviously, the payment of jobseeker's allowance or benefit is a longer-term issue.

I will comment on the appeals issue even though it is not the subject of this question. One of the other questions that have been tabled is about this issue. I am concerned about the length of time it takes to deal with appeals. I assure the Deputy that the response to the other question will make it clear that I am taking specific action to try to deal with the appeals backlog. I agree with the Deputy that the backlog of appeals unfortunately means that this process is taking an unacceptable length of time. I am dealing with that.

I was asked specifically about Edenderry. An additional social welfare investigator was assigned to Edenderry last October. However, the inspectors in Edenderry have no premises that is suitable for desk interviews.

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