Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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1111. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will facilitate oral social welfare appeal hearings using video call technology for those applicants who are willing and able to use this technology; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9027/20]

Regina 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.

I am advised by the Chief Appeals Officer that, due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, in person oral appeal hearings have been suspended since 13 March 2020.  The resumption of oral hearings will be kept under review in light of government advice on easing restrictions.  However appeals work continues and appeals are currently being determined on the basis of written submissions. In some cases it has also been possible for Appeals Officers to progress appeals by way of telephone calls and email on issues relating to an appeal (which might otherwise have been ascertained in the course of an oral hearing) and bring the matter to a conclusion.

The Chief Appeals Officer has also advised that the Office is exploring the use of video technology for appeal hearings.  Among the issues being considered are what is the most appropriate technological solution and the types of appeal cases that would be potentially suitable for this approach.  Any future use of video technology would need to ensure the maintenance of fair procedures, confidentiality and data protection.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.