Aideen Hayden (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I support the call from the Free Legal Advice Centres, FLAC, for a root-and-branch review of the Department of Social Protection's appeals procedures. According to FLAC's survey, not only are there lengthy delays in appeals against decisions, but a perceived lack of independence. To be fair to the Department, there were 51,000 appeals last year, twice the 2007 figure. Clearly, the Department is dealing with more people than used to be the case and seems to be doing so at a greater speed, given the numbers.

However, every Department must be open and transparent, particularly concerning a core issue like social protection payments. I am reminded of recent court decisions involving Dublin City Council, one that also relates to other local authorities. The issue is one of being judge and jury in one's own case. The Department of Social Protection is no different. FLAC has called for the establishment of a statutorily independent appeals process. We should give this request serious consideration. Will the Leader ask the Minister, Deputy Burton, to attend the House for a debate on social protection and to explain the appeals process and provide her opinions on whether a statutorily independent body to conduct same would be better for those who depend on social welfare payments?