Over 7,000 people successfully appealed social welfare decisions over the course of 2001, according to the Annual Report of the Social Welfare Appeals Office, 2001.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office provides a statutory right of redress for people who are unhappy with decisions regarding their social welfare entitlements.
Highlights of the report include:
- The number of appeals received in 2001 was 15,961, a fall of almost 2,000 compared to 2000
- The number of appeals concluded in 2001 exceeded those received, resulting in a fall in the number of ongoing cases
- A gender analysis revealed that the percentage of appeals from men and women were 44 per cent and 56 per cent respectively;
- Approximately 48 per cent of women and 44 per cent of men were successful in their appeals
- The most protracted cases excepted, the average time for processing appeals is under 15 weeks which compares favourably with the experience in other countries
"I am pleased to read the findings of the Report which are very positive," the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms Mary Coughlan, said.
"The 9 per cent fall in the numbers of appeals received, and the parallel efficiency in processing appeals, reflects the hard work and customer focus not only of the Appeals Office, but also of the whole Department.
A comprehensive review of the Appeals Office is currently underway by consultants, with the aim of improving the service.