Written answers

Thursday, 6 May 2010

Department of Social and Family Affairs

Social Welfare Appeals

5:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of eligibility for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied ) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18616/10]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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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 will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

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

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number and percentage of social welfare appeals that were refused in 2008 and 2009; and if he has an estimate of the overall savings to the Exchequer arising from these refusals. [18628/10]

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the average time of social welfare appeals that were refused in 2008 and 2009. [18632/10]

Photo of Róisín ShortallRóisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 111: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the target waiting time for social welfare appeals. [18633/10]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 to 111, inclusive, together.

The average time taken to process all appeals in 2009 was 24 weeks (22 weeks in 2008). That processing time reduces to 15.8 weeks (14.5 weeks in 2008) if allowance was made for the 25% most protracted cases. These figures cover all appeals, whether decided summarily or following an oral hearing. Separate figures are not maintained in respect of the processing times for appeals disallowed.

The number of appeals disallowed by Appeals Officers in 2008 and 2009 was 6,135 and 6,332 respectively. I am advised that the Social Welfare Appeals Office does not maintain an estimate of the savings to the Exchequer arising from the disallowance of these appeals. 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, further investigation by Social Welfare Inspectors where required and circumstances may also arise where further information is sought from the appellant. I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that having regard to the various phases of the appeal process, the varying complexities of the matters appealed to them and the demand led nature of the workload, a definitive target time is not feasible.

To deal with the increased workload being experienced by the Social Welfare Appeals Office, two additional Appeals Officers were appointed during 2009. The possibility of assigning further additional resources on a temporary basis is currently under consideration.

In addition, changes have recently been made to processes in the Social Welfare Appeals Office with a view to achieving additional productivity. I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping the outcome of these changes under continuous review to ensure the optimum throughput of appeals with full regard to due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.

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