Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 July 2013
174. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason there has been a delay in the appeal of a decision to refuse a carer's allowance to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33838/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 6 February 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 28 May 2013 and the case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 21 June 2013 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
