Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)

I thank Deputy McGrath. I listened with interest to the points he has made. I thank him for highlighting this issue. It is important the appeals process not only works quickly but with due regard to ensuring each case is properly considered. In the first instance, each appeal is referred back to the relevant claim area of the Department which reviews the appeal, including taking account of any new information that may be furnished. This is an important step, as many appeals can be determined quickly upon review by a scheme deciding officer. In order to ensure this process works quickly and transparently, the new appeals regulations set, for the first time, statutory time limits of 21 days for consideration of the appeal by the Department.

Where the scheme area does not change the decision, the case is then considered by an appeals officer. This, of necessity, requires a full consideration of all information, including, in some cases, the use of oral hearings. The chief appeals officer continues to closely monitor processing times and every effort is made to reduce the time taken to process an appeal. However, the drive for efficiency must be balanced with the competing demand to ensure decisions are consistent and made in accordance with the provisions set out in primary legislation and regulation.

Significant efforts and resources have been devoted to reforming and streamlining the appeals process in recent years. The chief appeals officer has put in place measures to improve processing times. Twenty additional staff were assigned and attended training in December 2024 and January 2025. They have now been appointed as appeals officers and are making appeal decisions. In addition, a new appeals system, incorporating online functionality for people wishing to lodge an appeal, has been implemented. Together with the implementation of the new appeals regulations, this should reduce processing times.

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