Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the average time taken to process social welfare programme appeals, broken down by scheme, in 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15980/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Figures in regard to the average length of time taken to process appeals, broken down by scheme, and by type of decision are given in the tables attached to this reply.

In an effort to reduce the processing times, the Department appointed 12 additional Appeals Officers during 2010 and 2011. In addition, a further 10 Appeals Officers, formerly employed by the Community Welfare Services (CWS) of the Health Services Executive joined the Office in October 2011as part of the integration of the CWS appeals services into the Social Welfare Appeals Office. This brought the total number of Appeals Officers to 39.

The processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation and include all activities during this period, including time spent in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department's Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary. A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process.

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.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Question 132: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason arrears will not be paid to a carer's allowance applicant (details supplied) whose social welfare appeal has been allowed; the reason behind not paying arrears to the applicant; if she will reconsider this matter based on the long delays processing applications and appeals in both the carer's allowance section and the social welfare appeals office; if she will ensure that payment is made to this applicant from the time of application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16019/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, partially allowed the appeal of the person concerned.

Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.

Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his appeal has been finalised.

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.