John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of appeals received each month for 2011 and to date in 2012 for appeals to her Department; the number of appeals on hand waiting to be processed; the reason for the delay in processing these applications; the steps that are being taken to reduce the waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41682/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The number of appeals received each month for 2011 and to date in 2012 is listed in the following Table. At the end of September 2012 there were 21,571 appeals on hand.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, from about early 2009 the number of appeals received by that Office has increased dramatically and by 2011 had more than doubled from an average of 15,000 pa to. 31,241 in 2011. A further 27,089 have been received for the period January to September this year.

By its nature and because of its quasi-judicial nature, the processing of appeals takes time even at the best of times and reflects the fact that, by definition, the appeal process cannot be a quick one.

In an effort to reduce the processing times for all appeals, the Department has appointed 13 additional Appeals Officers since 2010. In addition, a further 10 Appeals Officers, formerly employed by the Community Welfare Services (CWS) of the Health Services Executive joined the Office as part of the integration of the CWS appeals services into the Social Welfare Appeals Office, bringing the total number of Appeals Officers now serving in the Office to 40. In addition to this the Office has improved its business processes and IT support.

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.

Appeal Receipts during 2011 and 2012 2011 2012 (to 30/9/2012)