Written answers

Wednesday, 5 April 2017

Department of Social Protection

State Pension (Contributory) Appeals

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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236. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the current waiting times for appealing decisions on State pension contributory applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16829/17]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The average processing time for state pension contributory appeals to the end of March 2017 is 39.3 weeks for appeals requiring an oral hearing, and 27.5 weeks for appeals which were determined by means of a summary decision.

Appeal processing times are kept under constant scrutiny by the Chief Appeals Officer and significant effort and resources have been devoted in recent years to reducing the length of time taken to finalise an appeal. This has resulted in a marked improvement in processing times.

Average processing times for state pension contributory appeals have reduced from 55.3 weeks for an oral hearing in 2011 to 46.0 weeks in 2015, 45.9 weeks in 2016 and 39.3 weeks to date in 2017. The average processing time for state pension contributory appeals determined by way of a summary decision increased slightly over the same period from 24.9 weeks in 2011 to 26.0 weeks in 2015, 25.6 weeks in 2016 and 27.5 weeks to date in 2017.

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 has advised me that appeal processing times will continue to be a priority for her office.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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