‘Dramatic’ increase in welfare appeals

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton has admitted that appeals against welfare decisions have increased "dramatically" as opposition TDs blamed government cuts for the rise.

The number of appeals lodged has more than doubled from 15,000 after the recession first bit in 2009 to 32,777 last year.

People challenging decisions have to wait more than 29 weeks for an oral hearing, but this is down from 52 weeks in 2012.