Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2012
363 Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for invalidity pension will be finalised in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5362/12]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for the person concerned hasn't been registered. However, because of the large number of appeals currently being lodged, there is a backlog in the office in registering appeals. If the appeal has been submitted in recent weeks the appeal will be registered and acknowledged in due course. The Chief Appeals Officer has assured me that all appropriate measures are being taken to address this situation.
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.
