Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2012
350 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application now under appeal for supplementary welfare allowance will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [21465/12]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 30th April 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 who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an 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.
