Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 September 2022
362. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to a specific issue with regard to the social welfare appeals office (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44368/22]
View answerThe 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 and insurability of employment.
In the details supplied with this question the Deputy states that the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) advised that the Chief Appeals Officer of the Social Welfare Appeals Office gave 'erroneous information' to the Oireachtas Committee investigating "bogus self- employment". This 'erroneous information' is said to be the denial of the use of "test cases" by the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
I am advised by my officials that neither the Chief Appeals Officer nor the Department have ever been contacted by SIPO in relation to any such complaint and nor have they been advised of any such ruling.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
