Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2023
634. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will address the delays regarding an appeal by a person (details supplied) for an invalidity pension, as well as the denial of supplementary welfare allowance, and who has had no social welfare supports since 17 August 2023, when their illness benefit was stopped; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40147/23]
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 was registered on the 14th August 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.
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 necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
