Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2019
713. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the decision to refuse a carer's support grant in the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; if the appeal can be expedited in view of new medical evidence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6485/19]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on the 9th January 2019. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
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.
