asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that great delay is experienced and consequent hardship suffered by the fact that appeals officers are unable to visit the different centres more frequently and, if so, if he will ensure that in large centres like Cork City appeals will be heard at least weekly.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Visits of Appeals Officers.
I am not aware of any inordinate delay in the hearing of appeals at the various centres. For instance, three sittings were held in Cork City on the 3rd and 4th June, when 41 cases were heard; three further sittings were held on the 25th and 26th June, when 32 cases were disposed of; and four sittings will be held in Cork next week, when the 55 appeals now on hands will be cleared.
I do not think that it would be practicable, as the Deputy suggests, to have weekly hearings in the larger centres since there might be weeks with no appeals or a very small number to be heard. I will, however, ensure that the larger centres are dealt with on a priority basis and as expeditiously as possible.