Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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152. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the appeals process for carer's allowance-benefit (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30628/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Appeal processing times peaked in 2011 when the average processing time for an appeal of carers allowance was 38.8 weeks. In 2012 the average processing time reduced to 33.8 weeks. Further improvements were achieved in 2013, when the average appeal processing time reduced to 28.5 weeks. As at the end of August 2015, the average time taken to process a carer’s allowance appeal has reduced further to 21.3 weeks, a reduction of 17.5 weeks since 2011.

The average processing time for carers benefit appeal in 2011 was 29.3 weeks. In 2012 the average processing time reduced to 24 weeks. Further improvements were achieved in 2013, when the average appeal processing time reduced to 18.7 weeks. As at the end of August 2015, the average time taken to process a carer’s benefit appeal has reduced further to 16.4 weeks, a reduction of 12.9 weeks since 2011.

The reduction in processing time reflects the significant resources which have been invested in the Social Welfare Appeals Office over the last number of years.

In addition the Department has undertaken a process of reform in many of its scheme areas aimed at reducing the time taken to respond to requests for submissions in relation to appeals. While the Department’s response times for carers benefit has increased slightly from 6.2 weeks in 2011 to 8.4 weeks at end of August 2015, the response time to requests for submissions to the Department for appeals of carers allowance has reduced from an average of 17.9 weeks in 2011 to 12.9 weeks at end August 2015.

Processing times are calculated from the registration date to the date of finalisation and include time spent awaiting clarification from the appellant and time in the Department for review and preparation of its appeal submission, and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department’s Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary. While this process carries an inherent delay in terms of finalising an appeal, it also crystalises the flexibility and accessibility of the appeals system. By its nature and because it is a quasi-judicial function, the processing of appeals takes time and reflects the fact that, by definition, the appeal process cannot be a quick one.

Appeal processing times are kept under continual review in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and every effort is made to reduce processing times.

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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.