Barry Cowen
Ceist:101. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for jobseeker's allowance. [39786/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 20 September 2012
Ceisteanna (101, 102)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:102. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for rent allowance. [39787/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeals by the person concerned were registered in that office on 23 May 2012 and 22 June 2012, respectively. 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 27 June 2012 and 29 June 2012, respectively. The cases will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeals 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.