Written Answers Nos. 114-120
115. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a carer's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20389/14]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to hold an oral hearing in this case on 12 May 2014. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements for the 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.
119. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will reintroduce the Christmas bonus payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20458/14]
View answerThere is no provision in the 2014 estimates for the Department of Social Protection for the payment of a Christmas bonus. Any re-introduction of a bonus at Christmas would have to be considered in a future Budgetary context. In this regard, it is estimated that it would cost in the order of €261 million per annum to reintroduce the Bonus.
