Michael D. Higgins
Question:39 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of cases, by category of entitlement, awaiting decision following appeal to him from decisions of officials of his Department.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeal Cases.
Appeals from decisions of deciding officers are made to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. I understand that the following is the position in regard to the main categories of appeals:
Cases Listed for Oral Hearing (Dates to be Fixed)
|
Disability benefit and invalidity pensions |
180 |
|
Occupational injuries benefit |
120 |
|
Unemployment benefit/assistance |
170 |
|
Qualification Certificates |
215 |
|
Others |
190 |
Other cases not yet examined
|
Disability benefit and invalidity pensions |
65 |
|
Occupational injuries benefit |
31 |
|
Unemployment benefit/assistance |
101 |
|
Qualification certificates |
320 |
|
Others |
98 |
In addition to the above there are about 500 cases where oral hearings have either been arranged for the coming weeks or have already been heard by appeals officers and a decision is about to be made.
Some appeals are at an initial stage and further inquiries, such as second medical referee examinations or inquiries by social welfare officers, have to be carried out. Figures are not available on these cases.
In the course of a reply in the House on 17 October 1991 my predecessor as Minister for Social Welfare indicated his awareness of the need for additional resources for the Social Welfare Appeals Office. A further two appeals officers have been appointed on a temporary basis since then. With the addition of these resources the Social Welfare Appeals Office will be in a position to provide an improved level of service.