Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
360. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if a disability allowance will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow in view of the fact the person is waiting for an operation and unable to work; if further assistance will be given to the person relative to the person's mortgage difficulties; if she will expedite a response. [7530/14]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to disallow the disability allowance appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.
With regard to the Mortgage Interest Supplement application of the person concerned, I understand that this was refused by the Community Welfare Service in January 2014 but that, as of this point in time, the Appeals Office has no record of any appeal having been received.
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.
