Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 June 2014
341. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if appeals for social welfare payment under the occupational disablement benefit scheme and the invalidity pension scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited; if an outcome to either one of the applications will be approved as the applicant cannot work as instructed by their general practitioner and has no income. [24730/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an Occupational Injury Benefit appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10th April 2014. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 28th May 2014 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing. The appeals office has advised that they have no record of any Invalidity Pension appeal from the person concerned. 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.
