Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

378. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of appeals officers assigned to assessing both applications and appeals, respectively, for disability allowance. [4081/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is the office of my Department responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social protection entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision-making functions.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that there are currently 44 Appeals Officers who are responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social protection entitlements across all schemes.

The assessment of original applications is carried out by Deciding Officers in the Department's Disability Allowance section. The processing of applications for Disability Allowance is a priority of my Department and is monitored on an ongoing basis with particular focus on processing times, to ensure a timely service to applicants. There are 55 full-time equivalent Deciding Officers assigned to assessing new applications, reviews and appeal activity for Disability Allowance.

Finally it is important to note that while a Disability Allowance application is being processed, a person may apply for income support through Supplementary Welfare Allowance and if the Disability Allowance claim is decided in a person's favour after a delay, arrears will issue to the customer dated back to the date their claim was received.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.