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

170. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the average length of time for determination of appeals in respect of social protection payments; if his Department will reduce such waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29185/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The average appeal processing time for appeals determined in 2015 and to date in 2016 broken down by all social welfare scheme types is outlined in the tables.

Significant effort and resources have been devoted to reforming the appeals process in recent years resulting in a marked improvement in overall appeal processing times. The average time taken to determine an appeal requiring an oral hearing reduced from 52.5 weeks in 2011 to 25.5 weeks in 2015 and the average time taken to finalise an appeal decided by way of a summary decision dropped from 25.1 weeks in 2011 to 18.1 weeks in 2015. This downward trend in overall appeal processing times has continued to date in 2016 to 24.3 weeks for an oral hearing and 17.7 weeks for a summary decision.

The quasi-judicial nature of the appeals system means that there are inevitable time-lags involved. However the system is designed to be flexible and fair and allows for review and submission of further information at all stages. The time taken is proportionate to the complexity of many of the issues under appeal which require a high level of judgement, and the need to ensure due process and natural justice.

The Chief Appeals Officer assures me that appeals processing times are continuously monitored and that, although significant progress has been made in recent years, continued improvement in this area remains a priority.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Appeals processing times by scheme 01/01/2015 – 31/12/2015

Appeal processing times by scheme 01/01/2016 – 30/09/2016