Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2013
334. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a domiciliary care allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50249/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 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 15 October 2013 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer shortly who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.
