The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 17 September 2015, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. I am advised that every effort will be made to determine the appeal as quickly as possible however it is not possible to give a specific timeframe for the completion of the appeals process at this stage.
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.