227. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Social Protection the length of time a domiciliary care application by a person (details supplied) has been pending; when a decision will issue; the efforts that are being made to reduce the waiting time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42144/24]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 30th January 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 2nd July 2024.

The appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 8th July 2024, who having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.

Significant efforts and resources have been devoted to improvements in the appeal process in recent years. There is active engagement between the Appeals Office and my Department to ensure that the appeals process operates efficiently. Improvements in appeals processing times are a priority for the Chief Appeals Officer.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.