Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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322. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of WTE appeals officers currently assigned to assess both applications and appeals, respectively for the State pension (contributory). [40133/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The staffing needs for all areas within my Department, including the Social Welfare Appeals Office and all areas involved in the processing of appeals, are continuously reviewed. This is to take account of workloads, management priorities and the ongoing need to respond to increasing demands in a wide range of services. I want to ensure that the best use is made of all available resources with a view to providing an efficient service to those who rely on the schemes and services provided by my Department.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that there are currently 40 Appeals Officers making decisions on appeals.

However, a number of new Appeals Officers have joined the Appeals Office over the past year to replace staff leaving on retirement. Given the complexity of the appeals process it takes some time for new staff to be trained up and develop expertise across a range of schemes, including State Pension (contributory). This can lead to longer processing times.

The processing of initial applications for State Pension Contributory (SPC) 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 30 full-time equivalent Deciding Officers assigned to assessing new applications, reviews and appeal activity for State Pension (contributory).

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.