Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2012
376 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will request the social welfare appeals office to schedule, as speedily as possible in view of the lengthy time since initial application, an oral hearing in respect of the disability allowance appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9733/12]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18th January 2012. 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. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
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.
