Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
316. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a review of the rate of non contributory pension will be carried out in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42600/12]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that appeals by the persons concerned were registered in that office on 20th December 2011 and 9 February 2012 respectively. 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 29th May 2012 and the cases have been 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.
