David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 410: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the breakdown of the number of appeals currently awaiting decision for each of the various schemes operated by his Department respectively; the average and longest time it takes to process an appeal for each scheme of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21056/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Social Welfare Appeals Office deals with about 14,000 appeals on an annual basis. On 30 April 2006 there were 5,625 appeals on which work was in progress. A breakdown of these cases is outlined.

The average length of time taken to deal with appeals in 2005 was 20 weeks. If allowance is made for the 25% most protracted cases the average falls below 13 weeks. A breakdown of average processing times, by scheme, is also outlined. The times shown cover all phases of the appeal process including the submission by the Department of its comments on the grounds of appeal, further examination by the Medical Assessors, where appropriate in medical related cases and the holding of oral hearings which are currently afforded in two out of three cases determined by Appeals Officers.

Circumstances may arise, normally outside of the control of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, which have the effect of unduly prolonging the time taken to process appeals. For example, delays can occur where the appellant submits new information or evidence, often at an advanced stage in the proceedings. In some cases adjournments may be sought by the Appellant or his/her representative.

It is not possible to state on a scheme-by-scheme basis what is the longest time it takes to process an appeal. A small number of appeals can be very complex and could take many months to finalise but those cases would be highly unusual.

The nature of the service provided is judicial and the procedures in place for determining appeals are designed to ensure that each case receives full and satisfactory consideration. Consequently, improvements in processing times must be achieved in a manner which is consistent with justice being seen to be done and the need to ensure that every appeal is fully investigated and determined on all its circumstances.