Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 April 2012
599 Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the length of time it is taking for a carer’s allowance appeal to the social welfare appeals office to be adjudicated at present; if there are any exceptional circumstances pertaining to an individual case which can result in the process being accelerated for that particular appeal. [18731/12]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the current average times taken to process carers allowance appeals decided by summary decision is 31.5 weeks and 42.8 weeks for those requiring an oral hearing.
These processing times are calculated from the registration date of the appeal to the date of its finalisation and include all activities during this period including:
time spent in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant,
any further investigation by the Department's Inspectors,
any further examination or assessment by the Department's Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary. A considerable period of time is added to the process when an oral hearing is required because of the logistics involved in this process.
There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 and 2011 when the intake rose to 32,432 and 31,241 respectively. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.
I am assured by the Chief Appeals Officer that she is keeping current processes under continuous review with a view to achieving a more effective throughput of appeals, while ensuring that any progress does not conflict with due process in terms of the rights of appellants and adherence to the requirements of natural justice.
600 Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding support in respect of a family (details supplied) in Dublin 15. [18735/12]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case.
There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 and 2011 when the intake rose to 32,432 and 31,241 respectively. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.
While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
