The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24 May 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 21st October 2013 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
The Department informs me that backlog clearance activity in the Invalidity pension area has increased the number of appeals being dealt with on that scheme. Consequently, there are still some delays occurring there in having papers sent to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for processing. Every effort is being made to ensure that the relevant papers are prepared and submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office as quickly as possible.
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.