Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2458. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the length of time a person (details supplied) has been awaiting an appeal for a carer's allowance; the average appeal waiting time for a carer's allowance; and the further length of time the person will have to wait for the appeal to be processed in view of the hardship being experienced. [32986/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 9 January 2018. 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 Employment Affairs and Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case was then referred to an Appeals Officer. Following consideration, the Appeals Officer has decided to hold an oral hearing on the case in early August 2018. The person concerned will be notified shortly of the arrangements for the hearing. The Appeals Officer will then consider the appeal in the light of all of the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the oral hearing.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the average processing time for carer's allowance appeals to the end of June 2018 is 28.1 weeks for appeals requiring an oral hearing, and 24.2 weeks for appeals which were determined by means of a summary decision.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
