Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 October 2013
139. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when the payment of carer's allowance will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois who lodged their application in December 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45452/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on the 23rd of April 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 were received in the Appeals Office on the 15th of August. The appeal was referred to an Appeals Officer on the 23rd of October, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the 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.
