Ms Joan Gordon:

Under legislation, the holding of oral hearings is left to the discretion of the appeals officer. We have conferences, and had more in the past when it was possible for us to meet in person, at which we discuss issues regarding when an oral hearing might be required. It is difficult to set out broad guidelines but we have now put some up on our website. These oral hearings are usually held where there are unresolved conflicts in the evidence, some dispute as to the facts or differing opinions, whether medical opinions or other professional opinions, which require teasing out. I am not sure this matter impinges on our independence. We have not been challenged and there has been no evidence of a lack of independence. I am confident we are independent and that we carry out our functions independently, as we and the deciding officers in the Department are required to under the legislation.