Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2013
412. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision in respect of an appeal is likely to made in the case of a person (details supplied); if he will confirm if the file has been sent to the social welfare appeals officer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8271/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17th October 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 06th February 2013 and the case 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.
