Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 March 2012
137 Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an appeal for mortgage interest supplement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17497/12]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer decision on 27th March 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.
138 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if disability allowance will be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny following an oral hearing on 21 March 2012; if carer’s payment will be made to a person at the same address; if she will confirm the positive decision reached on 20 April 2011 regarding the habitual residency condition relative to both cases. [17502/12]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that in reference to the oral hearing of the disability allowance appeal of the person concerned which took place on 21 March 2012, the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person has been deemed to habitually resident for social welfare purposes since March 2011. The only issue, therefore, to be decided with regard to the disability allowance appeal, is whether she satisfies the medical conditions for the scheme. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined.
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.
A carer's allowance was awarded to a care provider at the address of the person concerned, with effect from 23 June 2011, the first payment of which reached his bank account on Thursday, 22nd March 2012. Any arrears due for the intervening period will be paid in due course.
