Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2013
134. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for supplementary welfare allowance will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14444/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 19 February 2013. 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 7 March 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.
