Social welfare appeals boss criticises system

THE chief social welfare appeals officer has criticised deteriorating standards among staff deciding who is entitled to payments.

In the annual report of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, its director Brian Flynn said his staff had concerns about workers at the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Health Service Executive.

His report said some social welfare decision makers were too stringent and confusing their role with the policing powers given to the department’s inspectorate.