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Disability Allowance Appeals

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 November 2013

Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Questions (108)

Michael Creed

Question:

108. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in issuing a decision on a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49619/13]

View answer

Written answers

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 14 August 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 5 November 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 Disability Allowance 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 SWAO 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.

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