Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the news that the vast majority of the 1,200 disability allowance appeals awaiting clearance will be dealt with prior to Christmas. We all acknowledge the progress that has been made in respect of social welfare appeals, particularly in the context of the reduction in waiting times. However, this has made no difference to those on disability allowance whose appeals have been successful because they were still obliged to wait for payment to be restored. In some instances, the delay has been up to three months and this has added to the level of stress on the people involved. I am aware of two cases in which the delay has been over three months. The gap between an appeal being successful and the recommencement of payment never really existed before and it needs to be addressed. I welcome the Minister's commitment to the effect that most of the outstanding appeals will be cleared by Christmas. This will relieve some of the stress on the applicants involved, some of whom have major disabilities. I am of the view that their claims should not have been refused in the first instance.

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