Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 May 2025
147. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the processing of applications in the case of a person (details supplied), and others, for disability allowances is taking so long; and the reason the appeals process is taking so long. [21605/25]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for the above motioned was received and registered in that office on 11th December 2024 and in accordance with the statutory requirements the relevant Departmental papers and the comments of the Deciding Officer on the matters raised in the appeal were sought.
An Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.
The Chief Appeals Officer has put in place measures to deal with the increase in appeals received during 2024. 20 additional staff were assigned and attended training during December 2024 and January 2025. They have now been appointed as Appeals Officers and are making appeal decisions. In addition new Appeals Regulations have been signed to come into effect from the 28 April which provide, among other things, for simpler processes and specified response times. These should further help to reduce processing times.
The time taken to process appeals reflects the need to consider each decision in detail and, in many cases, to examine additional information submitted at appeal stage, including in some cases requesting further information either via correspondence or via oral hearing. The Chief Appeals Officer continues to monitor processing times and every effort is made to reduce the time taken to process an appeal. However, the drive for efficiency must be balanced with the competing demand to ensure that decisions are consistent and made in accordance with the provisions set out in primary legislation and regulations.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
