Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 506: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of outstanding appeals being examined by the health repayment scheme appeals office; the number of appeals officers employed to work in this office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30346/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006. The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office has advised my Department that up to the 19th September 2008 it has received 4,129 completed appeal forms. The Appeals Officer must investigate each appeal independently, these investigations can require additional reviews by the Health Service Executive and the Scheme Administrator and certain appeals present a high level of complexity. In addition a very high percentage of appellants have requested an Oral Hearing. Up to the 19th September 2008 the Appeals Officer has carefully and thoroughly considered and assessed 2,102 appeals and has issued decisions to each of these appellants. In addition 590 appeals have been withdrawn by the appellant. Two Appeals Officers have been appointed to consider appeals.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 507: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time for an oral hearing to be heard by the health repayment scheme appeals office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30347/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office is an independent office established to provide an appeals service to those who wish to appeal the decision of the Scheme Administrator under the Health (Repayment Scheme) Act 2006.

Up to the 19th September 2008 the Health Repayment Scheme Appeals Office has received 1,942 requests for Oral Hearings from appellants who have lodged appeal forms. The Appeals Officer must investigate each appeal independently, these investigations can require additional reviews by the Health Service Executive and the Scheme Administrator and certain appeals present a high level of complexity. Arrangements are made for an Oral Hearing when the Appeals Officer has completed his/her initial investigations. Up to the 19th September, the Appeals Officer has completed 828 Oral Hearings at locations around the country.