Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I have stated previously in the House that reform of the information technology and business structures is relevant to Deputies of all parties throughout the House. I would prefer to see fewer appeals and more determinations at the initial presentation of cases. If better information were available and a better presentation was made at the beginning we could reduce the volume of appeals significantly. I understand we have worked through most of the information technology changes and transfers to the new system. The new system applies to new applicants and this is why their times are improving significantly. However, we must transfer the backlog and get through it as well. If we could arrange for a case to be presented in as much detail as possible with all the relevant evidence at the initial stage, I believe it would lead to better decisions which, in turn, would result in fewer appeals.

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