Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

While a good deal of progress has been made in recent months in clearing the backlog, glitches remain in the system. There are particular difficulties with document handling and filing and these must be ironed out fully. We are working on these issues and there is now a good quality control system in place. I accept the Deputy's point that sometimes it is easier to start from scratch. However, the figures I have received indicate 90% of applications are turned around within 15 days. These are cases in which all the documentation has been sent in and is complete and uncomplicated. However, issues remain where people are trying to interact with the PCRS to explain certain information, for example, the source of a home loan. These remain to be ironed out. I fully accept that there are customer service issues which have not been fully resolved. However, we are working on them. I will be happy to pursue the case referred to.

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