Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

I assure the Deputy that since I took office, I met the staff who deal with social welfare appeals. I did so as a matter of priority in order to examine ways and means of improving the service and the speed of the service. Every Deputy in the House is aware that this is a critical area, particularly for those who have lost jobs or businesses and are looking to the Department of Social Protection for income support. The provision of additional staffing is among the areas at which we are looking. That is now in train. Having spoken to officials in the Department, I am confident that the extra staff will make a significant difference.

In addition, we need to provide for more summary appeals. Deputies will be familiar with this aspect of the matter. Some difficulties arise from a failure to provide the proper documentation, etc., that is required. If we had a better system of monitoring whether application forms are fully completed, it would be possible to undertake a summary examination of each file. Given that 42% of cases are successful on appeal, perhaps this would be the best way of improving the throughput and reducing the backlog.

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