I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the disablement benefit appeal of the person concerned was registered on 1st September 2010. An oral hearing was scheduled for 25th July 2011 but this was postponed at the request of the appellant’s employer as a case on the matter was open in the High Court. In the circumstances, the Appeals Officer agreed to the postponement pending the conclusion of the High Court proceedings and notified the two parties involved (the appellant and his employer) in writing.
I am advised that, in the intervening period, the Appeals Officer has written to the appellant on at least six occasions and to the appellant’s employer on at least eight occasions seeking to ascertain the status of the High Court proceedings. A further letter will shortly issue to both parties.
I am advised that, as soon as the Appeals Officer receives confirmation from the parties that the High Court proceedings have concluded an oral hearing of the appeal will be arranged as a matter of priority.
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.
