Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 November 2014
171. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if a decision in respect of an appeal for illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41175/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The Appeals Officer’s decision issued in November 2013.
Following the submission of additional evidence the Appeals Officer has set aside his decision and has re-opened the appeal by way of granting an oral hearing of the case by a different Appeals Officer.
It is anticipated that the oral hearing will be convened in the next 4 to 6 weeks and the person concerned will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing 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.
