Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 November 2012
416. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection when the review will be conducted by the appeals officer of the decision to uphold the refusal of disability allowance on appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo and the average waiting times in such cases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51596/12]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision.
Following receipt of the decision further evidence has been submitted by the person. His file has been recalled from the disability allowance section and, on receipt, this evidence will be reviewed. Statistics are not maintained on the processing times for such reviews.
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.
