Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 March 2013
324. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure that an oral hearing is given in respect of an appeal against a decision to refuse an application for an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12668/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24 August 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. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in 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.
