Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The expectation would be that the period would be very short and in this instance there may well be slightly more advantage for people to apply under the new regime. Regarding ceasing taking all new applications, applications for urgent services unfortunately do arise and would surely arise in the interim period. The Department has much experience in these matters and would see spurious applications for what they are if there were to be a flood of applications, which is probably what the Senator is concerned about. Although in this instance there might be an intervening period that needs to be catered for, one possibility would have been to decide not to accept new applications during that period but the provision of the new section 27, which if I recall provides for a limit of two years, is probably a fairer way to deal with anything that might arise. Nothing may arise in any event.