Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 300: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in processing an appeal of the decision to deny disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; if he will ensure that this appeal, which was sent to a deciding officer on 18 January 2010, is processed. [17754/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

There has been a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There has been an increase of a further 46% in the number of appeals received in the first quarter of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.