Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 July 2020
168. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an oral hearing will be facilitated as soon as possible for a person (details supplied) to determine their eligibility for the State pension in view of the fact they are without a source of regular income; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17484/20]
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 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.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has also advised me that, if the person concerned is experiencing financial hardship, it is open to them to contact their local Community Welfare Officer and discuss their circumstances with them, with a view to claiming Supplementary Welfare Allowance while this appeal is ongoing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
