Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

164. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Sligo will have their farm assist appeal decision issued; his views on whether the appeal is taking an excessive amount of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23691/17]

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

The appeal of the person concerned was registered with the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 16 November 2016. I am advised that it is likely that his appeal will be determined within the next week or so.

The quasi-judicial nature of the appeal system impacts on appeal processing times which are proportionate to the complexity of many of the issues under appeal and often require a high level of judgement, in addition to the need to ensure due process and natural justice.

The Chief Appeals Officer has advised me that appeal processing times are closely monitored and every effort continues to be made to ensure that appeals are processed as promptly and efficiently as possible.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.