Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the decision to continue to avail of the services of retired appeals officers, which is a worthwhile practice. The Minister referred to the quasi-judicial nature and complexity of many of the cases with which the office deals. I understand that training is critical in that context. I am concerned that the proposal in the programme for Government to reduce by 25,000 the number of people employed in the public sector and the Civil Service could affect the increased appointments that will be needed over the next few years. Although the Government has an ambitious programme for getting Ireland back to work, the reality is that many people will continue to appeal social welfare decisions. Every Deputy in this House makes regular representations to appeals officers. The number of such representations will stay at the current high level, at least, for the foreseeable future. Is the Minister satisfied that the office will have an appropriate number of competent staff to deal with an increased number of appeals?

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