Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2015
161. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and when the person may expect a decision on an invalidity pension appeal. [28256/15]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3rd June 2015. 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 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.
