I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of this case was scheduled to take place on 26 February 2014. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the hearing had to be cancelled and the person concerned was advised of this by telephone on 25 February 2014. Every effort will be made to re-convene the hearing as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be informed of the new arrangements for the oral hearing as soon as these are finalised.
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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.