Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will expedite a review of the case of a person (details supplied) who has applied for a non-contributory old age pension, having been in receipt of widow's pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40486/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 25 August 2010 together with the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal. The appeal will be referred in due course to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.

There was 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 was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order.

A number of initiatives have been put in place to enhance the capacity of the office to deal with the current caseload and inflows. In that regard: · 3 additional Appeals Officers were assigned to the Office since January

2009, · A number of additional staff were assigned to the administration area of

the Office, · The organisation of the Appeals Officer's work has been changed so as

to increase productivity, · A project to improve the business processes in the office was undertaken

which has resulted in a number of improvements being implemented, and · Significant enhancements have been made to the office's IT and phone

systems.

In addition, it was decided to use experienced retired staff strictly on a short term basis to supplement the current resources and the services of eight retired officers have now been secured on a part-time basis and have been operating since July.

I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice. 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.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 194: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons from County Clare who are awaiting an appeal decision for carer's allowance, domiciliary allowance, jobseeker's allowance and disability allowance as of 28 October 2010; the length of time it is taking to process these appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40502/10]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 195: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons from County Clare who are awaiting an oral hearing following their appeal for carer's allowance, domiciliary allowance, jobseeker's allowance and disability allowance as of 28 October 2010; the length of time they are awaiting an oral hearing; the length of time it is taking to process oral hearings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40503/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that statistics are not maintained on a county by county basis and it is not in a position to supply the information sought by the Deputy in relation to Co. Clare.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 196: To ask the Minister for Social Protection, further to Parliamentary Question No. 1314 of 29 September 2010, if he will provide an update regarding this appeal, which was originally lodged with the appeals office over a year ago and when this appeal will be heard. [40512/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Further to my response to PQ 33256/10 on 29 September 2010, I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no update to the information given previously. 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.