Carer's Allowance Appeals

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2015

Thursday, 11 June 2015

Ceisteanna (53)

Tom Fleming

Ceist:

53. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will arrange to have the file in respect of an application by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for a carer's allowance to be sent for appeal immediately, given that the person has forwarded all information verifying the total full-time care he provides for his incapacitated spouse; if she will expedite the process and approve the entitlement to this allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22807/15]

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 23rd April 2015. 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 have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 02nd June 2015 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 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.