Written answers

Thursday, 30 May 2019

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Social Welfare Appeals Data

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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160. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of social welfare appeal hearings facilitated in each of the past three years to date; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23133/19]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

Appeals legislation provides that it is a matter for an Appeals Officer to decide whether an appeal can be fairly determined by means of a summary decision or if an oral hearing is required. In addition it is open to an appellant to request an oral hearing of their appeal. If an oral hearing is requested it will generally be given, except in cases where there is nothing manifestly to be gained from such a hearing, for example where the appeal question relates to PRSI contribution conditions or means and the underlying calculations are not being contested.

The information sought by the Deputy is set out in the following table.

YearNumber of Appeal Decisions finalised by way of Oral Hearing
20166,527
20175,412
20185,397
2019 - 1st January to April 30th1,698

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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