Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
520. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection to list the case of a person (details supplied) for appeal in respect of basic supplementary welfare or disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35578/23]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned in respect of Disability Allowance was registered on the 15th March 2023. 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.
These were received on 1st June 2023 and the case was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 14th June 2023, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.
An appeal by the person concerned in respect of Supplementary Welfare Allowance has not been registered by the Social Welfare Appeals Office. However, an appeal application form has been forwarded to the person concerned.
On receipt of the completed application form the appeal will be registered and processed in the normal manner.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
