I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned was scheduled for 4 September 2019. However, the person concerned did not attend nor have they subsequently been in touch with the Appeals Office. The Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all of the evidence submitted and will be making a summary decision. The decision will be issued to the person concerned in the very near future.
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.