Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2012
731. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will ensure the immediate approval of an application for an invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38084/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal, by the person concerned, was registered in that office on 14th 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 the 11th May 2012 and the case has been assigned to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, 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.
