Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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186. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of applications for social welfare assistance successfully appealed in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24865/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The number of social welfare appeals determined with a favourable outcome for appellants from 2014 to date in 2017 is outlined in the table below.

Overall, 56.5% of the 31,211 appeals which were finalised in 2014 had a favourable outcome for the appellant, i.e. were either allowed in full or in part, or resolved by way of a revised decision by a Deciding Officer/Designated Person.58.8% of the 25,406 appeals finalised in 2015 had a favourable outcome for the appellant, as did 59.2% of the 23,220 appeals finalised in 2016 and 57.2% of the 6,346 appeals finalised to date in 2017.

There are a number of reasons why a decision which was refused at first instance might be successful on appeal and it is not necessarily the case that the first decision was wrong.

Where additional evidence is provided in support of an appeal, the original decision may be revised by the Deciding Officer or Designated Person. This was the case in some 30% of favourable appeal outcomes in 2014, some 35% of favourable appeal outcomes in 2015, some 37% of favourable appeal outcomes in 2016 and some 39% to date in 2017. Where the decision is not revised in the Department in light of the appeal contentions, further evidence may be provided by the appellant as the appeal process proceeds. In addition, the Appeals Officer may gain insights when they meet the appellant in person at an oral hearing which may also influence the outcome of the appeal.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Favourable Appeal Outcomes 2014 - 2017