I want to put the spotlight on the primary medical certificate and the very rigid rules there are with regard to eligibility. It is fine if a person has a very physical disability; they will qualify. Those who lose eyesight, for example, would not be eligible. The appeals process is also quite complex. Is there any prospect of a review of the scheme? On the backlog of appeals, is there anything to speed up the numbers who are waiting on decisions?

I thank Deputy Roche for raising this issue. I will reflect on what he says in respect of the actual process itself. Specifically on the issue of the length of time for appeals, I acknowledge the appeals board is independent but the board does run regional clinics on occasion where appropriate facilities can be sourced and where there is sufficient demand and attendance. For instance, over the past 12 months, it held these regional clinics in Cork and Galway and I think that helped somewhat with those delays. I am advised that the location of alternative regional clinics is kept under review by the board. This is very welcome. On foot of the Deputy raising the matter today, I will ask that his views are conveyed to the board as well. Those regional hearing centres could make a real difference in speeding up those times and I know it is something the board is open to as well.