Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 April 2024
104. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18187/24]
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 an appeal by the person concerned was registered on the 13th November 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 6th February 2024 and the case was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 22nd February 2024.
The Appeals Officer issued correspondence to the person concerned on 15th April 2024 giving the opportunity to submit further evidence or comments.
When a response is received from the person concerned, the Appeals Officer 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.
105. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason the unemployment benefit payments of a school caretaker (details supplied) are not going into their account when they are on annual leave. [18211/24]
View answerEducational sector workers who wish to avail of income support while temporarily laid-off during school breaks can apply for a Jobseeker’s payment but must satisfy all the qualifying conditions to receive this payment. A Jobseeker’s payment is paid for days of unemployment where the person is not being remunerated for by their employer, including receipt of any holiday pay entitlement during the school break.
According to the records of the department, the person concerned has been awarded a Jobseekers Benefit payment of €290.70 while temporarily laid off during the recent Easter break, which will be paid into their nominated bank account on 24/04/2024. I trust this clarifies the matter.
