Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 March 2015
159. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will examine an application for jobseeker's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, as there is undue delay in processing this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9899/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 1 December 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. These papers were received from the Department and the appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 3 February 2015, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
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.
