Social Welfare Appeals Delays

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 June 2013

Wednesday, 19 June 2013

Questions (131)

James Bannon

Question:

131. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason an oral hearing regarding an appeal for one parent family payment has still not taken place in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford, despite the fact that the hearing was initially adjourned due to no fault of the person in question, given the undue hardship they are enduring while they await a date for same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29597/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an oral hearing, of this case, was scheduled to be heard on 19th February 2013. At the hearing the person concerned, through his solicitor, requested an adjournment of the hearing pending the receipt of his file which had been requested but not yet received. The request for an adjournment was granted.

The Appeals Officer subsequently returned the file to Social Welfare Appeals Office to deal with a Freedom of Information request dated the 5th April 2013. This information was provided to the solicitor of the person concerned on the 24th April 2013.

I have been advised that the case has now been re-listed for an oral hearing to be held as soon as possible and the appellant will be informed when arrangements have been made.

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.