Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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739. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the action taken to reduce the delays in processing social welfare appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39888/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Chief Appeals Officer that the management and reduction of appeal processing times is a key priority which is kept under constant scrutiny. Tables showing the average appeal processing times for all appeals determined from 2014 to date in 2017 broken down by all social welfare scheme types are attached below.

The Deputy will be aware from previous replies that significant effort and resources have been devoted over the past number of years to reforming the appeals process in order to finalise appeals as quickly and effectively as possible, while recognising the need to ensure that quality and fairness are not compromised. Additional appeals officers were appointed and a new operating model and new technology to support appeals officers was introduced. As a result appeal processing times improved year on year since 2011/2012. For example, the average time taken to determine an appeal requiring an oral hearing reduced from 52.5 weeks in 2011 to 28.6 weeks in 2014, 25.5 weeks in 2015 and 24.1 weeks in 2016. The average time taken to finalise an appeal decided by way of a summary decision reduced from 25.1 weeks in 2011 to 21.1 weeks in 2014, 18.1 weeks in 2015, and 17.6 weeks in 2016.

There has been a slight increase in overall appeal processing times to date in 2017 with appeals requiring an oral hearing taking an average of 25.5 weeks and summary decisions taking 19.1 weeks to finalise. However the Chief Appeals Officer has advised that processing times should improve when a number of recently appointed Appeals Officers who replaced more experienced colleagues who retired become more experienced in their roles.

The time taken to process an appeal reflects all aspects of the appeal process including the time spent in the Department preparing the appeal submission. The quasi-judicial nature of the system impacts on appeal processing times which are proportionate to the complexity of many of the issues under appeal which 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 every effort will continue to be made to improve appeal processing times.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Appeals processing times by scheme 01/01/2014 – 31/12/14

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

Appeal processing times by scheme 01/01/2016 – 31/12/2016

* Previously called Respite Care Grant

Appeal processing times by Scheme 01 January 2017- 31 August 2017