Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

For context, the average time taken to process an appeal in 2024 was 23.5 weeks. That jumped from 16 weeks in 2023. The average processing time for an appeal dealt with summarily in 2024 was 24.5 weeks, which, again, was an increase on 2023. As of 31 January last, the current processing times for social welfare appeals is 19.4 weeks. We are beginning to make progress. I will be very focused on reducing that to the shortest period possible. It has to capture the information, give people a chance to engage in the process and ensure consistency and fairness across the service.

The new IT system has given us much more online capability. The new online channel is improving people's experience and facilitating the new option we introduced via mywelfare.ie.

I will revert to the Deputy on the issue of oral appeals. I very much agree about the importance of oral appeals, and I will revert to the Deputy with figures relating to such appeals.

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