Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 228: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will be heard in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32953/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case.

There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.

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.

Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 229: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) is not entitled to social welfare support; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33046/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer initially disallowed the jobseekers appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision.

Following a review of the case, the Appeals Officer has revised his original decision and has allowed this appeal. The person concerned has been advised of the Appeals Officer's revised decision.

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.