Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 June 2014
112. Deputy John Perry asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; if documentation submitted on 25 March 2014 will be responded to; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25032/14]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a letter issued to the Deputy on 4 June 2014 advising that his representations in relation to the illness benefit claim of the person concerned was being accepted as an appeal. In accordance with statutory requirement the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal have been sought. When these papers 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.
