Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
645. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will examine the invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35197/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28 June 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. When these have been received from the Department, the case in question 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 appeal hearing.
In the meantime, if the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet his needs, it is open to him to make an application for supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his invalidity pension appeal.
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.
