Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 March 2021
150. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a jobseeker’s allowance application appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12238/21]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered with that office on 7 December 2020. 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. These papers were received on 4 January 2021.
On 5 January 2021 the appeal was assigned 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. Hearings are currently being conducted online or by telephone. Due to the current level of Covid-19 restrictions in-person oral appeal hearings have been suspended.
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.
