Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 April 2014
138. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in respect of appeal for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15568/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a disability allowance appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24th March 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 papers 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.
I am advised by the appeals office that, in addition to his disability allowance appeal, the person concerned also registered an invalidity pension appeal with that office on 9th December 2013. The invalidity pension appeal was referred to an Appeals Officer on 28th March 2014.
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.
