The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer, who will make a summary decision based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. I have been advised that if the appeal is to be decided summarily, a decision should issue to the person concerned within the next two to three weeks. If the Appeals Officer decides that an oral hearing is required, this hearing should take place no later than the first week in December.
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.