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Farm Assist Scheme Appeals

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014

Tuesday, 18 February 2014

Questions (400)

Heather Humphreys

Question:

400. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a decision has not yet issued on a farm assist appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8131/14]

View answer

Written answers

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an Oral Hearing took place in respect of a Farm Assistance appeal by the person concerned on 6 December 2013.

At this Oral Hearing, the Appeals Officer gave the person concerned an opportunity through his accountant to furnish a number of statements including documentation in respect of the purchase of livestock. The Appeals Officer was advised by the person concerned at the oral hearing that the purchase of livestock and the type of livestock purchased could be verified.

I am advised that documentary evidence of the relevant transactions has been received by the Appeals Officer and that this additional evidence was returned to the Social Welfare Inspector who represented the Department at the oral hearing for her consideration and for any comments she may have to offer in response. The Social Welfare Inspector has advised me that she is still working on the appellant’s means assessment but was nearing the completion of a revised report and hoped to be in position to return the file to the Appeals Officer in the next few days. When the comments of the inspector have been received, the Appeals Officer will consider the matter and decide how to proceed to determine the appeal. I have been assured that every effort will be made to complete this process at the earliest possible time.

The Department have advised me that in the meantime the person concerned is in receipt of Jobseekers Allowance albeit at a reduced rate. If the person concerned feels his means are insufficient to meet his needs, it is open to him to contact his local Community Welfare Officer to explore his possible entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance pending the outcome of his 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.

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