Michael Healy-Rae
Question:352. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a pension application appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42884/20]
View answerTuesday, 15 December 2020
Questions (352)
Written answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered on 25 June 2020 and the file papers were received from the Department on 30 October 2020.
The Deciding Officer reviewing the case had been awaiting the submission of further, requested, documentation from the appellant’s solicitors, which they confirmed in a letter dated 13 July 2020, was being followed-up. However, no subsequent reply was received and the relevant appeal submission papers were consequently submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
The appeal was referred on 3 November 2020 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 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.