Brendan Griffin
Question:251. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23200/16]
View answerWednesday, 20 July 2016
Questions (251)
Written answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11 January 2016. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 10 May 2016. The case was assigned to an Appeals Officer who referred the case back to the Department on 15 July 2016 as further information from the Department is required. This information has now been received, a decision on the case will be further considered by the Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented within the next two days.
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.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.