Michael Healy-Rae
Question:571. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a disability allowance appeal for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12644/21]
View answerWednesday, 10 March 2021
Questions (571)
Written answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered with that office on 11 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. The papers were received on 20 January 2021.
The appeal was referred on 28 January 2021 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.