Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There is quite a bit of information there, so I look forward to going threw it afterwards. I welcome the fact that since 2019, appeal times have decreased from, I think the Minister of State said, roughly 20 weeks down to 16 weeks. That said that, I would appreciate if he could, by way of further communication, write to me with the details of the number of community welfare officers we have per county across the country, and juxtapose that with previous years to see what the staffing arrangement is.

I welcome that many appeals are taking place online. That is to be welcomed in the pandemic. Obviously, the show must go on in getting people whatever entitlements they are due, so that is welcome. I acknowledge the majority of claims are ratified and do not require this process, and that only a small percentage go to appeal. However, for those who apply for these entitlements and must subsequently appeal them, it is often the case that they are the most vulnerable people who require that help. That must be recognised as well.

Regarding the cutting of future waiting times, I hope additional resources and staff can be allocated. If the Minister of state, in further correspondence, can provide detail on any plans for rolling out further staff and resources, I would appreciate that.

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