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

Question 262: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) which has been pending for nearly 19 months; and if she will expedite the matter. [6585/12]

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 and 2011 when the intake rose to 32,432 and 31,241 respectively. 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.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 263: To ask the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 328 of 15 November 2011, the progress made to date in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6595/12]

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

This case has been referred to a Social Welfare Inspector for further investigation and the person concerned will be contacted shortly by the Inspector to arrange an interview. Her pension entitlement will be re-examined when the Inspector has concluded the investigation and she will be notified of the outcome.