Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
573. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when it is expected that oral hearings in respect of social welfare appeals cases are likely to recommence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26554/21]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
When an appeal is assigned to an Appeals Officer, the Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if determined as necessary, hold an oral hearing.
Oral hearings are currently being conducted online or by telephone and these types of hearings will continue. Due to the public health restrictions arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, in-person hearings were suspended in March 2020 and have remained suspended since then with the exception of a small number of weeks in August and September 2020. The matter of the resumption of in-person hearings is being kept under review.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
