Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 March 2013
335. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a file will be sent from his Department to the appeals office to ascertain eligibility for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15147/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 12th 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 19th 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.
