Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

The current information on appeals is 29.7 weeks, a lengthy period of time in respect of domiciliary care allowance. Parents applying for this allowance for the first time can encounter significant difficulties. I told Deputy Kelleher earlier that, on taking up office, one of the first things I arranged to do was to meet the people in the management of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, with a view to seeing how we could deal with the appeals in a much speedier fashion. One part of that is the appointment of additional staff and I am confident that it will result in a significant improvement in the situation.

The second issue, being examined by the chief appeals officer, is to speed up the process by having more summary decision making. The required information must be in order so the appeals officer is in a position to make a decision because 42% of appeals are ultimately granted, which is a very high rate of successful appeal. If we could get more of the appeals dealt with by summary examination of the files and decision by the appeals officer that would significantly reduce the time, particularly when those people will go on to have an oral hearing and will have the appeal granted in any event. I will return to the Deputy on the matter. I am sure we will talk on the matter again.

I am aware of the difficulties experienced by people in the appeals process, in particular with important assistance such as the domiciliary care allowance. Today I was involved in the launch of the national advocacy scheme which is under the auspices of the Citizens Information Board. There is a very enthusiastic team of people in five regions in the country who will assist in advocacy. That will be a valuable additional source of information and advice for people involved in domiciliary care allowance appeals and requests.

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