Barry Cowen
Ceist:96. 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 mortgage interest supplement. [39771/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraDáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 September 2012
96. 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 mortgage interest supplement. [39771/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra97. 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 farm assist. [39772/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 96 and 97 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 28 May 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 28 June 2012 and 23 July 2012 respectively and both 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.