Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I move amendment No. 10:

In page 9, line 28, to delete "3" and substitute "21".

This section of the Bill gives persons who do not show up for a meeting with the commissioner three working days to explain the reasons for their non-attendance. If the amendment is accepted, however, such people will have 21 working days to provide an explanation. I wish to change the rule under which a person who does not show up for an interview is not entitled to a second interview. Three working days is too short a time for applicants to take the initiative to provide an explanation. A period of 21 days would be far more reasonable. Similarly, the applicant should be allowed a reasonable period of time to provide an explanation for non-attendance without his or her application being withdrawn. We ask the Minister to accept the amendments.