Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013
329. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an illness benefit appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40400/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an invalidity pension appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 8 August 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. 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.
