Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
685. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for disability allowance will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38392/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 26th July 2103. 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. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 8th August 2013 and 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.
If the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet her needs, it is open to her to contact her local Community Welfare Service to ascertain whether she may be entitled 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.
