Written Answers Nos. 226-230
226. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo, if it will be expedited owing to the financial difficulties the applicant is in; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21401/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28 February 2013. 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 7 March 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.
227. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Carlow has had their carer's allowance for the care of their 81 year old mother suspended. [21416/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the Department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on 14 May 2012. The application was awarded on 4 of March 2013. All arrears of allowance due to the person in question have issued. Carer's allowance payments have never been suspended in this case.
228. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive arrears of carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21423/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI confirm that the Department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on 14 December 2011. The application was awarded on 28 November 2012 payable from 14 of June 2012. Arrears due to the person concerned issued on 18 February 2013. The person in question requested a review of the decision and requested further backdating. It has been decided to backdate this claim to 15 December 2011. Arrears of allowance due from 15 December 2011 to 13 June 2012 less any other payments made to the person in question will issue in due course.
229. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on an application for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11; and if she will expedite a decision on this application. [21426/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, allowed the appeal of the person concerned who has been notified of the decision.
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.
230. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the status of an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21429/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.
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.
