Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 December 2012
161. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for a social welfare appeal hearing of the refusal of an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57687/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra163. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for a social welfare appeal of a refusal of an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath [57689/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 161 and 163 together.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3rd October 2012. 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 17th December 2012 and the case will be referred 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.
