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Social Welfare Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2021

Wednesday, 13 October 2021

Questions (154)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

154. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on an appeal of the decision on a widow’s grant application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50072/21]

View answer

Written answers

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24 February 2021. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 27 April 2021. The case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 5 May 2021.

On consideration of the case the Appeals Officer requested additional information in relation to the appeal from the person concerned on 5 August 2021 and this information was provided. The Appeals Officer also requested clarification on certain issues from the Department of Social Protection. The latest position is that the Department, on foot of the Appeals Officer's request, wrote to the person concerned on 11 October 2021 seeking confirmation of their son's participation in full-time education. When this clarification has been received the Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, 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.

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