Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 July 2011
154 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for disability allowance will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20425/11]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 9th March 2011. 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 21st April 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.
