Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2013
166. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal for a jobseeker's allowance payment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the fact that they are in urgent need of the payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31421/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24th June 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 these are received in the Appeals Office 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.
