Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2013
401. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their appeal lodged in April 2013 in respect of their illness benefit claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50575/13]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3 April 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 30 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 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.
