Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 February 2012
114 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an application for carer’s allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite a response [8942/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned was refused carer's allowance on the grounds that the Department's Medical Assessor expressed the opinion that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full-time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. On 13 October 2011, he was notified of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review or appeal.
He subsequently appealed this decision and submitted additional medical evidence in support of his appeal. This information has been forwarded to the Department's Medical Assessor for consideration. He will be notified directly of the outcome of the review in due course.
115 Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an appeal for carer’s allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite a response. [8943/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 22nd July 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 19th December 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration on 6 February 2012.
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.
117 Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on a scope appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8973/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that following an oral hearing of the appeal, the Appeals Officer referred the case to a Social Welfare Inspector for further investigations and clarification of certain aspects. The appeal has recently been returned to the Appeals Officer who is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined.
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.
