Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 July 2012
364 Deputy John O’Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on an appeal of an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo on their non contributory pension; if this person will be granted an oral hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36156/12]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24 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. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 10 May 2012 and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.
