Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
803. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the Social Welfare Appeals Office will start providing updates again to persons whose cases are in the appeals system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11713/20]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, as a result of the Covid-19 crisis, it was necessary to prioritise its work. In addition, some staff from the Office were redeployed to other areas to assist with ensuring the successful processing of Pandemic Unemployment Payments and related matters. This resulted in some delays in responses to queries from public representatives on appeal cases. All queries were examined and necessary action as regards the processing of individual cases was taken as appropriate.
However, I am now advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that it has resumed its normal arrangements in relation to responding to correspondence from public representatives. If the Deputy requires an update on any individual cases the Office will provide the necessary information.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
