Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
69. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection if he is concerned about undue delays in processing invalidity pensions, as in the case of a person (details supplied); the steps he will take to ensure that applicants suffering from health issues are not placed under further distress as a result of difficulties accessing their entitlements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31411/26]
View answerIt is important to ensure people claiming valuable benefits satisfy the criteria established by the Oireachtas for entitlement to that benefit. However, in doing so it is also important that we offer people who may not receive a favourable decision the opportunity to seek a review of that decision and to submit a formal appeal. In that way we work to ensure that entitlement is not denied to people who have a need for support and who satisfy the relevant qualification conditions.
In the case of Invalidity Pension, we offer claimants both a review by the decision area as well as a formal appeal mechanism. In most cases these reviews and appeals can be dealt with expeditiously.
We are also continuously working to improve the service. For example, over the past year or so we have introduced new regulations that extend the period of time during which a person can make an appeal from 21 to 60 days. The new regulations also grant additional rights to seek an oral hearing of the appeal and receive an explanation if an oral hearing is not granted, and in addition specify specific timelines for the exchange and processing of appeal documentation.
In parallel we have introduced a new IT system including the ability to submit appeals online, (an average of 60% of appeals are now received online), and significantly increased staffing in the appeals service.
These changes have resulted in a reduction in the number of appeals on hand from 21,630 appeals on hand at the end of December 2024, to 7,470 appeals on hand at the end of March 2026. Processing times have also improved, from over an overall average of 23 weeks in 2024 to just 9.5 weeks today in the case of Invalidity Pension.
Having said all of that some cases, particularly those involving the exchange of complicated medical evidence, can take some time to finalise. With respect to the case referenced in the Deputy’s question; in summary I understand that the initial claim was disallowed following which an appeal was received with an appeal decision issuing last year confirming the original decision. I also understand that the person concerned subsequently sought a further review from the Chief Appeals Officer, a decision on which is still awaited. I have raised this case with the Chief Appeals Officer, who acts independently in the performance of her duties, and will write separately to the Deputy with a more detailed response shortly.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
