Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 June 2013
119. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for a disability allowance now under appeal will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if supplementary welfare will be approved for this person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28261/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 13th May 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. 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.
If the person concerned's means are insufficient to meet their needs, they should contact the Community Welfare Service regarding their entitlement to Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
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.
