Departmental Legal Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016

Tuesday, 18 October 2016

Ceisteanna (312)

Mick Barry

Ceist:

312. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 446 of 27 September 2016, if he will reconcile the reply he provided with a claim subsequently made to this Deputy's office via social media, that Scope has been legally represented by the Chief State Solicitor's Office and a person (details supplied) in at least one previous appeal similar to the one described in the question, and that the reason for seeking this representation was because the appellants were like a case (details supplied) accompanied by legal representation. [30259/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection

With appeals involving Scope decisions, the parties to the appeal are the employer, employee or self-employee. My Department outlines the decision made by its deciding officers and the basis for the decision, after which the parties to the appeal present evidence to the Appeals Officer who makes the final decision.

Legal advice is available to Scope decision makers from the Department’s legal advisory service.

In the case referred to the by the Deputy, my Department does not consider it necessary or appropriate to engage counsel for the appeal hearing.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.