Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

These Government amendments, built on amendments made in the Dáil, respond directly to the specific proposal made to the Taoiseach and me when we met the DLCG on 25 May 2005. The group was anxious to ensure that, in addition to recommending an assessment or a service, a complaints officer would also be able to specify the timing of the provisions. If the complaints officer could not make a recommendation about the timing of the assessment or service provision, a person who had made a successful complaint could find himself or herself at the end of the queue again for a recommended assessment or service. In response to those concerns I am pleased to bring forward Government amendments Nos. 31 to 34, inclusive, which allow the complaints officer to specify a timeframe for delivery in his or her recommendations. These amendments represent a significant tightening of the provisions to safeguard the applicant. I am particularly pleased that the positive dialogue with the DLCG has produced this enhanced provision.