The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 15th March 2013. The person concerned was afforded an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of their appeal. For this purpose, a form SWAO1 was issued to her on 15th March 2013. This form was returned to this office on the 8th May 2013 and in accordance with the statutory requirements the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal are being sought. When received, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.