Finian McGrath
Question:230. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [44132/13]
View answerTuesday, 22 October 2013
Questions (230)
Written answers
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeals officer, having fully considered all the documentary evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned was notified of the appeals officer's decision on 26th September 2013.
Under Social Welfare legislation, an appeals officer may decide a case before him/her on the basis of the documentary evidence presented. This course of action was taken in this case as it was considered that an oral hearing was not warranted. However, as the person concerned has indicated that he would like to meet with an appeals officer to present his case, I am advised that the appeals officer has agreed to set aside the original summary decision and to arrange to have the appeal considered by way of an oral hearing.
The person concerned will be notified of the arrangements for the oral hearing in due course. 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.