Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Nov 1993

Vol. 436 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.

Robert Molloy

Question:

58 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of appeals received in respect of supplementary welfare allowance applications for each of the years from 1990 to 1992; if he has satisfied himself that the arrangements currently in place are adequate; and the proposals, if any, he has to review these arrangements.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

An applicant who is dissatisfied with the decision of a health board in relation to an application for supplementary welfare allowance may appeal the decision to the board's appeal's officer. The total number of appeals received in 1990 was 1,975, in 1991 2,319 and in 1992 3,101. These figures include appeals under the national fuel scheme which are not available separately.

There are a number of aspects of the supplementary welfare allowance scheme which require review. In this regard an advisory group under the chairmanship of my Department has been established with representatives from all health boards.

The question of standardising practices in relation to appeals has been discussed by the group and the views of appeals officers in the health boards are being considered. I believe that the existing health board appeals system can be improved by introducing better quality information for clients on their right to appeal; standardising application forms and procedures and explaining more fully the basis for decisions to clients. These matters will be considered further in the context of the current discussions.