Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
372. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to a disability allowance appeal (details supplied); the reason for the delay in an appeal decision being made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45255/23]
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 15th June 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 papers were received on 17th July 2023 and the case was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 26th July 2023, 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.
