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Social Welfare Benefits

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021

Tuesday, 15 June 2021

Questions (879)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

879. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31218/21]

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Written answers

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that two appeals by the person concerned were registered in that office. The Domiciliary Care Allowance appeal was received on 16th March 2021 and the Carers Allowance appeal was received on 19th April 2021. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 20th May 2021 (DCA) and on 13th May 2021 (Carers) and both cases have been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeals based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, 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 on social welfare entitlements.

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