Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 February 2021
443. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if a facility can be found and arranged to expedite oral hearings online or otherwise; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5771/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
I am advised by the Chief Appeals Officer that it is currently not possible to facilitate in-person oral hearings due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, the Social Welfare Appeals Office commenced conducting online appeal hearings on 11th November 2020. In addition, appeal hearings are being conducted via telephone, where suitable. Appeals also continue to be determined on the basis of written submissions. Since November 2020, a total of 167 appeal hearings have been conducted online or by phone. Such hearings can generally be arranged in a timely manner, assuming the parties to the appeal are available. The position in relation to the conducting of oral hearings is being kept under review by the Chief Appeals Officer.
Information in relation to oral hearings conducted online or by telephone is set out in the attached tables below.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Monthly Number of Oral Hearings held Online and by Phone
|
Month |
Total of Online and Phone |
Online |
Phone |
|
November 2020 |
37 |
13 |
24 |
|
December 2020 |
59 |
16 |
43 |
|
1st to 28th January 2021 |
71 |
27 |
44 |
|
Total |
167 |
56 |
111 |
