Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 242: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding mortgage interest supplement appeals which are taking more than six months for a decision; if they will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31435/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Following on from the transfer of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Services Executive (HSE) to the Department of Social Protection, with effect from Saturday 1st October, legislation was commenced which provides that appeals for supplementary welfare allowance (SWA), which includes Mortgage Interest Supplement, are now made to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Up to now, the legislation provided for a 2 step process, first to the Health Services Executive (HSE) and, if still dissatisfied, to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

I am aware that the processing times for appeals is very considerable. I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping the methods of operation by which the Social Welfare Appeals Office conducts its business under constant review, and that the processes are continuously being enhanced to reduce the backlogs in the Office and, overall, to reduce the processing times for dealing with appeals.