David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for her reply. I am delighted to hear of the progress that is being made. Has the Minister a target set for waiting times, whether it would be acceptable to have three weeks or five weeks or what would be the target time at the end of this process? Is it true that the number of appeals received by the social welfare appeals office has increased by more 100% from 2007 to 2010? Can the Minister advise as to why this might be the case? Has it anything to do with claims being refused by deciding officers or the application of stricter qualifications criteria? Can the Minister advise on the impact of the office deciding more appeals by summary decision? Is this translating into more appeals being turned down? How is the decision on whether to grant an oral hearing made? Who makes the decision? Are there transparent criteria for that?

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