Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 January 2014
369. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if an oral hearing will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has appealed the decision not to award carer's benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3735/14]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 22 January 2014. 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.
Your request for an oral hearing of this case will be brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer who is assigned this 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.
