Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2018
549. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a carer's allowance will be awarded to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8365/18]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeals of the person concerned took place on 7th December 2017. At the oral hearing it was agreed that the person concerned would send in further documentation in support of the appeals and this has been reiterated in subsequent communications between the Appeals Officer and the person concerned. To date, the Appeals Officer has held off on making his decision on the appeals in order to provide the person concerned with the best opportunity to submit additional documentation in support of her case. However, in light of the time that has passed since the appeal hearing, he will be obliged to make his decision in the very near future with or without the promised additional documentation.
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 hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
