Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 January 2014
345. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if an application for invalidity pension will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2498/14]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a disability allowance appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 19 November 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
If the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet her needs, it is open to her to contact her local Community Welfare Officer to explore her possible entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of her appeal.
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.
