Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 September 2010
1244 Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused disability allowance on the grounds of failure to meet habitual residency requirements; the criteria that apply to residency that are not being met in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31981/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
1246 Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32066/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be informed when arrangements have been made.
There was a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
