Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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80. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which long waiting periods in respect of appeals affecting various social welfare payments can be addressed in the short term, with particular reference to the cumulative effect of cessation or disqualification for a means tested payment or an insurance based payment which can result in homelessness arising from discontinuation of rent support; if these issues can be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17845/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Appeal processing times are kept under constant scrutiny by the Chief Appeals Officer. The Deputy will be aware that significant effort and resources have been devoted in recent years to reducing the length of time taken to finalise an appeal and that as a consequence processing times have improved quite considerably.

For example, the time taken to process appeals requiring an oral hearing has reduced from 52.5 weeks in 2011 to 24.1 weeks in 2016 and 24.5 weeks to date in 2017. Processing times for appeals determined by way of summary decision have also improved from a peak of 25.1 weeks in 2011 to 17.6 weeks in 2016 and 18.3 weeks to date in 2017.

The quasi-judicial nature of the appeals system means that there are inevitable time-lags involved. 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 system is designed to be flexible and fair and allows for review and submission of further information at all stages which is to the benefit of the appellant.

Basic supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) may be paid to a person who is awaiting the outcome of an appeal for their primary social welfare payment. Any persons who consider they may have an entitlement under the SWA scheme should contact their local Intreo office.

Continued entitlement to rent supplement is not linked to entitlement to other Department of Social Protection schemes, however the rent supplement claim may be reviewed following a decision to disallow a primary social welfare payment as there may be a change to the claimant’s circumstances that could affect eligibility. During a review of a rent supplement claim, the Community Welfare Services (CWS) officer will engage with the claimant to establish continued eligibility as quickly as possible and limit any delay to payments. Any person in this situation is encouraged to contact the office responsible for their rent supplement claim to discuss their situation.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.