Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2011
53 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7076/11]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20th October 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 14th February 2011 and the appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer in due course, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral 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 on social welfare entitlements.
