Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 January 2013
339. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who made their original application almost two years ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2510/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 02nd July 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 09th January 2013 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.
