Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 April 2024
235. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); when a decision is likely to be received as this has been pending for some time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17192/24]
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 a Carer's Allowance appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 19 September 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 returned to the Appeals Office on 9 November 2023 and referred on 15 November 2023 to an Appeals Officer.
The Appeals Officer requested additional information on certain issues from the person on 07 March 2024. This information is still awaited. On receipt of the requested information the Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
