The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3 September 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.
It is open to the person concerned to apply to the Health Service Executive (Community Welfare Officer) for financial assistance while his appeal is pending.
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.