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Social Welfare Appeals

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020

Tuesday, 21 July 2020

Questions (473)

Patricia Ryan

Question:

473. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons waiting on an oral hearing for social welfare appeals; the steps being taken to reduce same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16957/20]

View answer

Written answers

The 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 there are currently 6,669 appeals at various stages of the appeals process. Under Article 13 of the Social Welfare (Appeals) Regulations, 1998 (S.I. 108/1998), if an Appeals Officer is of the opinion that the case is of such a nature that it can be properly determined without a hearing, the appeal may be determined summarily.

I am advised by the Chief Appeals Officer that, due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, in person oral appeal hearings have been suspended since 13 March 2020. The resumption of oral hearings will be kept under review in light of government advice on easing restrictions. However, appeals work continues and appeals are currently being determined on the basis of written submissions. In some cases it has also been possible for Appeals Officers to progress appeals by way of telephone calls and email on issues relating to an appeal (which might otherwise have been ascertained in the course of an oral hearing) and bring the matter to a conclusion.

The Chief Appeals Officer has also advised that the Office is exploring the use of video technology for appeal hearings. Among the issues being considered are what is the most appropriate technological solution and the types of appeal cases that would be potentially suitable for this approach. Any future use of video technology would need to ensure the maintenance of fair procedures, confidentiality and data protection.

I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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