Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

Tá lúcháir orm go bhfuil an Aire Coimirce Sóisialaí, an Teachta Ó Cuív, i láthair chun éisteacht leis an díospóireacht seo.

I raise this matter because of my concern about the excessive length of time people are obliged to wait while their appeals against the disallowance of disability benefit, jobseeker's allowance, etc. are processed. However, the position has improved in recent months and appeals are now being processed much more quickly. I am in daily contact with the staff of the local social welfare appeals office who have been assisting me with a number of appeals dating back to 2009. I am dealing with a number of appeals made in August, September and October of that year which have not yet been processed.

I refer to the case of one gentleman who has appealed a decision of the Department of Social Protection to refuse him a disability allowance, even though he is medically unfit for work and has absolutely no income. He is a former taxi driver who endured a period of extreme stress, had a massive heart attack and almost died. He is just about able to walk and the medical evidence shows that he is not able to work. He is suffering from severe stress and anxiety because a number of financial institutions are on the verge of taking him to court. This morning he received a summons to appear in court on 7 November in respect of the repossession of a car. He cannot engage with the lending agencies because he has no income and has been kicking to touch by informing them that he is awaiting the outcome to an appeal lodged with the Department. To date, that decision has not been forthcoming.

The gentleman in question is awaiting an oral hearing with the Department. Constituency representatives have provided me with anecdotal evidence to the effect that those awaiting oral hearings in respect of appeals lodged in 2009, in particular, have not yet been given dates for such hearings. There is not even a suggestion that information on the dates on which the hearings might take place will be provided. Likewise, there is no suggestion that dates will be provided in the near future.

As the Minister will appreciate, this is a major cause of anxiety to the man to whom I refer. I ask that he do everything in his power to discover if there is a way that the appeals which have been awaiting a hearing since last year can be dealt with as soon as possible. I acknowledge that he has taken steps to deal with this matter since he assumed control of the Department. Appeals are usually lodged when someone's benefit or allowance is stopped. The relevant paperwork should, therefore, be available within the Department. In such circumstances, would it not be possible to make decisions on appeals within a six to eight-week timeframe in order that the individuals involved might get on with their lives? I appreciate that medical evidence must be presented and that oral hearings must be held. However, we must consider introducing a new system. If we do not do so, we will drive people over the brink. The man I am referring to is approaching that brink and I am fearful for his health and safety. I urge the Minister to consider that case on its merits and to consider all other cases of a similar nature which the Department deals with. If additional resources are required in the social welfare appeals office, the Government should assist the Minister in ensuring those resources are provided. Those most in need must obtain the assistance of the State when they are on the rocky road.

People like the man to whom I refer are on the rocky road and there is a moral obligation on the State to provide the assistance which they deserve. Knowing this gentleman and having read all the evidence and information in the file, I genuinely believe this man is entitled to the payment. I hope this gentleman and others will receive a decision much sooner than has been the case up to now. Does the Minister feel a waiting time of 13 or 14 months for an oral hearing is satisfactory, as I do not believe so? The matter should be addressed.