Social Welfare Appeals

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 April 2012

Thursday, 26 April 2012

Ceisteanna (129)

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

129 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if payment of domiciliary care allowance may be backdated to 15 October 2011, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21126/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 23rd November 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 26th January 2012 and the appeal has been assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration as to whether to decide the case by summary decision or to hold an oral hearing.

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.