Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2017
692. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made regarding an appeal which has been submitted on behalf of a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in assigning this file to an appeals officer despite it being in the urgent cases since 26 July 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39190/17]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to partially allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.
The Chief Appeals Officer has assured me that appeals are dealt with as quickly as possible having regard to the volume of appeals on hand and the overall workload of the appeals office.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
