Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 January 2014
426. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (detail supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4143/14]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was received in that office on the 30th September 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. These were requested from the Department on 6th November 2013. When these papers 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.
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.
