Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2014
285. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding carer's allowance in respect of persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15081/14]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 19th August 2013. The case was referred to an Appeals Officer who examined the file and noted that, although the carer's allowance of the person concerned had been suspended pending investigation, no formal decision to disallow her carer's allowance had been given by a Deciding Officer of the Department. As a formal disallowance decision is required before an appeal can proceed, the file was returned by the Appeals Officer to the Department on 15th January 2014 for clarification in relation to the Deciding Officer's decision.
I understand from the Department that a formal disallowance letter has recently issued to the person concerned and that the file is being referred back to the Appeals Officer. If, having examined the Deciding Officer's decision, the person concerned wishes to add any additional facts or evidence in support of her appeal she should forward this to the Deciding Officer who will arrange for it to be brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer as a matter of urgency.
The Appeals Officer may make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral 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.
