Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State and the Minister because this is a helpful report. I welcome some aspects of the report. Clearly, the flexibility shown by staff in dealing with some of the issues that arise requiring immediate responses is helpful. The introduction of more modern technology leads to greater efficiency. In particular, I welcome the reduction in the average waiting time although I am sure the Minister of State would agree that other cases will arise that will take much longer.

The Minister may not be in a position to answer this question but notwithstanding the crisis this issue continues to present for quite a number of families, will she take back to the Minister my request that a working group be set up to examine the position? For many people this is a crisis situation in the Department and a working group to monitor it and try to resolve something that is causing hardship for many families might be a short-term solution but might also bring about a quicker resolution to the problem.

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