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

In fairness to the Department, it generally does tell people what options are available to them. If an appellant is unhappy with the decision of an appeals officer, he or she may seek a review of the decision under section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, provided there are new facts or evidence that were not before the appeals officer who made the original decision. A further remedy is available to appellants through section 318, whereby the chief appeals officer can revise the decision of an appeals officer if she determines that the appeals officer has erred in fact or law. It is quite a legalistic procedure when one gets to that stage.

Overall, in 2023 there were 21,875 appeals finalised of which 11,000 were either allowed by an appeals officer or my Department revised its decision in favour of the customer; 9,380 were disallowed by an appeals officer and 1,420 appeals were withdrawn. I have still not answered the Deputy's question but I will get him that figure.

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