Over 2,250 people await processing of benefit appeals

More than 2,250 people have been left waiting longer than a year to have their appeals for social welfare benefits processed.

Fianna Fáil has claimed people are having benefits “suddenly and inexplicably” removed and when they appeal, they have to wait “months on end” to hear back from the Department of Social Protection.

New figures from the department show thousands of full-time carers, people with disabilities, people with long-term illness, and others have been waiting at least a year to have their appeals for state support dealt with.