Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023
843. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of deciding officers in each of the past ten years, in tabular form; and the number of appeals officers assigned to assessing both applications and appeals, respectively for domiciliary care allowance. [28392/23]
View answerThe processing of new applications for Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a priority of my Department and is monitored on an ongoing basis with particular focus on processing times, to ensure a timely service to applicants.
For the purpose of DCA claim processing, there are currently 12 deciding officers assigned on a full-time basis to assessing new applications. There are 10 deciding officers assigned to DCA appeal activity including the processing of appeal related reviews and customer review requests.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) is the office of my Department responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social protection entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision-making functions.
The SWAO has advised that there are currently 41 Appeals Officers who make decisions on all appeals relating to social protection schemes and entitlements. This includes DCA appeal cases.
The above data in respect of the past 10 years is not available.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
