Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2013
338. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm that an appeal has been received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on behalf of a person (details supplied); when a decision will issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50254/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has confirmed that an appeal by the person concerned has been received and registered in that office. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
