Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 October 2012
325. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason payment of rent supplement has ceased in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44599/12]
View answerPayment of supplementary welfare allowance (rent supplement) was disallowed by a Designated Person of the Department as the person concerned failed to provide up to date information as requested on two occasions by the Department.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13th July 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 4th September 2012 and the case has 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.
