Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 October 2017
177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the travel and diet supplement will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43317/17]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24th July 2017. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 14th September 2017 and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral 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.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
