Wednesday, 18 Jun 2014

Written Answers Nos. 81-87

Disability Allowance Appeals

Questions (81)

Clare Daly

Question:

81. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in County Sligo submitted an appeal to the chief appeals officer in respect of a decision to disallow their disability allowance; if it has been drawn to her attention that in a letter to the chief appeals officer dated 26 February 2014 the person requested an oral hearing of the case and asked to be provided in advance of the hearing with copies of all documentation on their case in the possession of her Department; if it has been drawn to her attention that the person has been informed that the oral hearing of the appeal is to take place at 12.15.p.m. on Thursday 19 June 2014; if it has been drawn to her attention that the Department has not provided the person with any of the documentation on their case which is in the possession of her Department; if her Department will defer the oral hearing of the case until such time as the requested documentation is provided to the person; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26235/14]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the person concerned's request for copies of all documentation in their case in advance of the oral hearing was overlooked. The Social Welfare Appeals Office apologises sincerely for this fact. Copies of all the documentation requested will be sent to the person concerned expediently. The Social Welfare Appeals Office have agreed to defer the oral hearing in this case and re-schedule one for the week beginning 7 or 14 July 2014. The person concerned will be notified of the arrangements imminently.

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 on social welfare entitlements.

Invalidity Pension Appeals

Questions (82)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

82. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26242/14]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 30 April 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 papers have been received from the Department, the appeal 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 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 on social welfare entitlements.

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Questions (83)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

83. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a carer's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26243/14]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 10 June 2014, who will 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 on social welfare entitlements.

Carer's Allowance Appeals

Questions (84)

Sandra McLellan

Question:

84. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26245/14]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 10 June 2014, who will 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 on social welfare entitlements.

Rent Supplement Scheme Applications

Questions (85)

Billy Timmins

Question:

85. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding rent allowance in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26251/14]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

Following a review in March of this year, the client was afforded 13 weeks to seek a rent reduction to the appropriate rent limit allowable for her family composition and geographical location. This review period was extended until 31 July 2014 to allow the client an additional period of time to obtain such a reduction or source alternative accommodation. The client concerned should contact the Mid Leinster Rents Unit directly when available accommodation within the limits has been obtained.

Question No. 86 withdrawn.

One-Parent Family Payments

Questions (87)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

87. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when one-parent family allowance will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26258/14]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

According to the records of the Department, the person concerned is not available at the address supplied. Her claim has now been closed as she failed to contact the department regarding a new address. If the client is homeless she will be referred to the Homeless Unit in Castle Street where her circumstances can be examined and reviewed.