Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 March 2015
49. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and when that person will receive a decision. [10796/15]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 5 November 2014. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 5 March 2015 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.
