Questions raised over social protection applications process as majority of appeals upheld – Brassil

Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry John Brassil says the Minister for Social Protection has serious questions to answer after new figures provided to him reveal that the majority of appeals lodged with her Department in 2017 and 2018 were upheld.

Deputy Brassil says a review of the qualifying criteria and additional resources may be needed to ensure that people who are rightfully entitled to supports are not forced to wait for months on end for their appeals to be processed.

“Based on the information supplied by the Department, there appears to be serious discrepancies within the processing system itself. In 2017, just over 60% of cases which were appealed were either allowed, partially allowed or revised. That figure was just under 60% last year. While I appreciate that errors can occur, these figures indicate greater flaws within the system”, said Deputy Brassil.

“Bear in mind that these are people who are applying to the Department for basic supports like Disability Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and the Invalidity Pension. It would appear from this information that thousands of people are being refused their supports, having to appeal their case and then finally being approved months later.

“This is a scandalous situation and deeply distressing for the people involved. Not only are they fearful that they do not qualify for a support that they are rightfully entitled to, they are then forced to wait months, without any payments, for their appeal to be approved.

“I am calling on Minister Regina Doherty to examine these application processes to find out why so many people are being initially refused their supports, before being successful on appeal. It is unfair to put people through unnecessary stress and anxiety if a workable solution can be found. Errors will always occur, but I believe the volume of appeals being allowed, partially allowed or revised warrants an examination of the system”, concluded Deputy Brassil.