Michael Healy-Rae
Question:870. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an invalidity pension appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32766/20]
View answerTuesday, 3 November 2020
Questions (870)
Written answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 August 2020. 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 Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 8 October 2020. The case was referred on 15 October 2020 to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required and if Covid-19 restrictions allow, 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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.