Marie Moloney (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the sentiment behind Senator Cullinane's amendment. We need to reduce time in the appeals office but stipulating that it must be turned around in 21 days is a bit unrealistic. I have found that instead of going straight to the appeals office, a significant percentage of appeals are medically based. Much of that was due to the fact that one could only claim disability benefit for two years.

One has nowhere to go, one applies for either disability allowance or invalidity pension and the conditions are much tighter. Now people are being refused and are going to the appeals system. I have found, however, that if one asks for a review before the appeal it is much quicker. I have worked extensively with medical assessors for several people. They should not have to come to me. Senator Cullinane's one-stop-shop is a very good idea. The public can go in and deal with a person, just as we get information when we ring the Oireachtas line and pass it on. Why not let the customers get the information themselves in the new Intreo offices? They should be set up to give the public the information it needs. We need to change the mindset of people so that they stop going to politicians and go to the one-stop-shops or Intreo offices to get the information they require. I agree that we need to reduce the times. The medical assessors work hard. The Minister might in due course ensure that a one-stop-shop is set up in the Intreo offices to deal specifically with public inquiries across the range of social welfare benefits.