Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jan 1995

Vol. 447 No. 11

Written Answers. - Supplementary Welfare Allowance Appeal System.

Hugh Byrne

Question:

224 Mr. H. Byrne asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has to put the supplementary welfare allowance appeal system on a statutory basis; if his attention has been drawn to the criticism made of the present appeals system by the Ombudsman in his recent report; if his attention has further been drawn to the complaints of unreasonable delay in dealing with such cases and the Ombudsman's specific reference to this point; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1043/95]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

My predecessor initiated a review of the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) appeals system in 1994. My Department is currently concluding this review and I expect to have proposals for improving the current system put before me shortly.

I share the concerns about the present SWA appeals system and I recognise the need for improvements. One of my priorities is to introduce changes which will improve the capacity of the system to determine appeals speedily, fairly and with consistency between and within boards. I will consider the options for improving the system when the review is concluded as a matter of urgency.