The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 3rd October 2013 who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
In the event that the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet his needs, it is open to him to contact his local Community Welfare Service to explore his possible entitlement to Supplementary Welfare Allowance pending the outcome of his appeal process.
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.