Concern as welfare appeals reach 22,000

THERE are almost 22,000 appeals currently being processed by the social welfare appeals office – a figure which is expected to reach 35,000 by the end of the year.

The volume will be a major cause for concern for the appeals office, which declared last year an “exceptionally difficult year” with 25,963 appeals registered – a 46% increase on 2008, and up from around 15,000 per annum up to and including 2007. Based on 2009 figures, the average time taking to process all appeals, including oral hearings, is almost six months.

Minister for Social Protection Éamon O Cuív maintains every effort is being made to keep abreast of the surge in activity and said the chief appeals officer was “monitoring the situation closely”.