Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1023. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a State pension (contributory) backdating appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15451/21]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 25 February 2021. 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. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred 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.
