Photograph: Frank MillerThe backlog of appeals to decisions on social welfare payments has come down by almost half, the Government will be told this week. Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary will update the Cabinet on efforts to address the backlog. There was a surge of appeals to the Social Welfare Appeals Office in recent years, with the Department of Social Protection blaming the increase on demographic changes which led to higher demand for pensions, disability and carers’ payments. [ State writes off more than €15m in incorrect social welfare payments across two yearsOpens in new window ]Meanwhile, the number of appeals awaiting decision stood at 21,000 at the beginning of the year. Mr Calleary has recently told the Dáil that processing times for appeals increase as his department clears the backlog.

Source: The Irish Times December 08, 2025 12:02 UTC