Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 15 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 7

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.

David Stanton

Question:

199 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the number of appeals in the various schemes operated by his Department awaiting adjudication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27319/99]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

At 30 November 1999 there were 6,980 appeals on which work was in progress. The following is a breakdown by category: unemployment schemes 1,995; sickness schemes 2,380; pensions 664; one parent family schemes 369; carer's allowances 467; farm assist payments 325; occupational injuries benefits 541; others 239. The appeals process is quasi-judicial and is designed to ensure that every appeal gets full and fair consideration in accordance with principles of natural justice.

The procedures include the requirement that the grounds of appeal be considered and commented on by the deciding officer. This may involve, for certain schemes, a second examination by a medical assessor of my Department or a further report by a social welfare investigator on matters raised in the appeal. Where conten tion remains, an oral hearing of the appeal by an appeals officer may be necessary.

The numbers above are at all stages of the appeals process and include cases ready for attention in the social welfare appeals office, cases under investigation in my Department and also cases in which further evidence is awaited from appellants. Not all appeals will require a determination by an appeals officer as in some cases, arising from further investigation, a revised decision by the deciding officer may be possible. In other cases, the appeal may not be pursued by the appellant.

The number of appeals received this year, up to the end of November, amounted to 14,425, an increase of almost 13% over the same period last year. The increase in the number of appeals awaiting attention is being addressed and the appointment of additional appeals officers to deal with the increased workload is under consideration.