Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 March 2012
248 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision for review of disability allowance will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14990/12]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 5 October 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 2 February 2012 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration on 14 February 2012. 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.
249 Deputy Simon Harris asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will account for a delay of six weeks in sending a file (details supplied) within her Department in order that it may be assessed for appeal; her view on the delay in view of the financial pressure being experienced by the family concerned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14998/12]
View answerAs part of the appeal process in this case, the domiciliary care allowance (DCA) file for the person in question was reviewed by a Departmental medical assessor on 2 March 2012. The child was found to be eligible for DCA and the customer was notified of this revised decision on 8 March 2012. As her claim has been awarded, the appeal in this case has been cancelled.
250 Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an illness benefit application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [15008/12]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11 July 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 10 February 2012 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration on 16 February 2012. 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.
