Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2019
479. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22805/19]
View answerI am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal was registered on 4th April 2019 and in accordance with the statutory requirements, the Appeals Office contacted the appellant and asked him to set out the complete grounds of his appeal. The grounds of the appeal were subsequently received on 8th May 2019 and the relevant departmental papers have been requested from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
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.
