Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his points. As practicing politicians, we all understand the frustrations arising from the application system. To be fair to the system however, it is very fair. It is a centralised national system. Previously, this work was carried out separately in different geographical areas, using different yardsticks. This is a better way of doing it, notwithstanding our frustrations with delays. Documents can go missing, and things like that are frustrating. By and large, the central office is doing a reasonably good job. It has made huge strides and treats everybody exactly the same. That element of fairness has to be welcomed.

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