Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is satisfied with the average time it takes to process social welfare appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23345/09]

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 26: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the action she will take to address the long waiting times for social welfare appeals. [23289/09]

Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 35: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she is satisfied with the average time it takes to process jobseekers appeals, which take as much as 21 weeks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23340/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 26 and 35 together.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that during 2008 the average time taken to process all appeals (i.e. those decided summarily and by way of oral hearing) was 22 weeks. However, if allowance was made for the 25% most protracted cases, the average time fell to just over 14 weeks. These processing times replicate those for 2007 notwithstanding the fact that there was an increase of 27% in the number of appeals received during 2008.

The processing time for appeals covers all phases of the appeal process including the submission by the Department of its comments on the grounds for the appeal, further examination by the Department's Medical Assessors in certain illness related cases and further investigation by Social Welfare Inspectors where required. Circumstances may also 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.

Having said that, however, I am concerned about processing times for appeals being further increased especially as the Social Welfare Appeals Office has informed me that they anticipate a further increase of some 18% in the number of appeals they expect to receive during 2009. Having regard to the current level of appeals awaiting determination, two additional Appeals Officers were appointed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office in January. Furthermore, in the light of the current situation, I am advised that the Chief Appeals Officer is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals having regard to due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.

While improving processing times remains a major objective of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, it is necessary at all times, given the quasi-judicial nature of the appeals process, to ensure that progress in this regard is achieved in a manner which is not in conflict with the demands of justice and the requirement that every appeal be fully investigated and examined on all its merits.