AQW 2313/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 18/02/2020
Answered On Date: 10/07/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities whether she will review the use of courthouses for hosting benefit appeals, to mitigate the potential stress this places on claimants suffering from ill health and mental health issues.

Answer:

The Minister of Justice and Minister Hargey were scheduled to meet to discuss a number of issues, including the use of court houses for benefit appeals, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, due to the impact of COVID-19 it was necessary to postpone the planned meeting, but we are aiming to reschedule this meeting in the near future.

Before any venue is confirmed as suitable for a benefit appeal tribunal hearing, The Appeals Service (TAS) completes a health and safety risk assessment of the location and facilities to determine its suitability. These will be reviewed against current Public Health Agency (PHA) guidelines when oral hearings are reconvened.

The use of court houses has allowed TAS to arrange more tribunal sessions and subsequently has helped reduce delay to appellants in securing a hearing date. On occasions where availability causes difficulties other venues may be deemed suitable for consideration following a risk assessment on facilities.