Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 April 2014
304. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 109 of 26 March 2014, when the appeal decision will be made; the length of time this process will take; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15329/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10th February 2014. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these have been received from the Department, the case in question 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 appeal hearing.
It is not possible to ascertain when this decision will be reached or the length of time that this process will take.
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.
