Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 February 2024
271. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the average processing times for appeals made under section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7346/24]
View answerThe 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 system is underpinned by legislation which sets down the roles, powers and functions of the Social Welfare Appeals Office and its Appeals Officers. Under the legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may be reviewed under Section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 by an Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.
If there is any new evidence or new facts pertinent to a case that were not brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer during the determination of an appeal, they may be submitted to the Appeals office for further consideration.
The average processing time for appeals decided under Section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 during the period 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023 was 10.6 weeks.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
