Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To tell the truth, my constituency office staff also use the appeal line for TDs and representatives. We all deal with social welfare appeals in our constituency offices. What happens in the vast majority of cases, as we know, is that not all the medical information is provided at the start and the application is turned down. Once that happens, you are into review and appeals.

The reviews can be quicker but I do accept that we need to do more to make the appeals process work better for people. Deputy Stanton also raised this matter this evening. Some appeals do take too long and that is it. I would say to the Deputies if they have appeals that are taking a long time bring them to my attention and I will come back to them. If I see the examples then I have a stronger case when I point out that perhaps we need to do something differently. A big piece of work is under way in the Department to modernise the appeals process so there will be an online service. This will be of benefit.

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