Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 May 2014
82. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will arrange to have the appeal for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny investigated as expeditiously as possible where medical evidence has been submitted to her Department in support of the claim; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23564/14]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21st May 2014. 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. When these 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.
