Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

I accept that up to a point, but of course if we compare the most recent census to the previous one, we see that the number of people, including children, identifying with a disability is increasing exponentially. This can be seen from both censuses. The DCA was originally introduced for severe impacts on children, resulting from disabilities. I expect the numbers to continue to increase. There is an appeals system in every payment from the Department of Social Protection. What is important is efficiency and a timely approach.

There is a focus on this within the Department. We can see the numbers coming down. They have come down from 1,300 to 560, and of the 560, some 460 relate to appeals for April, May and June of this year - essentially the last three months. The issue is whether we can make decisions more quickly for the applicants.

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