Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

-----and it is expected that upwards of 33,000 appeals will be received this year. The number of appeals, therefore, has more than doubled. We are taking many steps to streamline the process and to make sure, for example, where further information is provided that the case does not go through the appeals process and is referred back to the Department where the decision can be revised. These steps are having the desired effect.

Furthermore, as I pointed out in my answer, some of the steps we took did not happen until mid-year, such as bringing back retired appeals officers, so I hope we can build up to a situation where we at least meet the increased demand. Our next challenge is to get ahead of ourselves and reduce the existing lists. I see this happening in a multifaceted way; we must look at why so many people make appeals in the first place.

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