Niamh Smyth
Ceist:211. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the North-South interconnector project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17919/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraNorth-South Interconnector
Ceisteanna (211)
Freagraí scríofa
The North South Interconnector is critical to improving the efficient operation of the Single Electricity Market and increasing security of electricity supply across the island of Ireland. A resilient and well connected energy infrastructure is vital for Ireland’s economic well-being and the ability to respond to the future needs of energy consumers. In December 2016 An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for the project in Ireland, while in January 2018 full planning permission was granted for the section of the line that lies in Northern Ireland. Both of the planning decisions have been subject to legal proceedings in each jurisdiction.
In Ireland, a Supreme Court appeal of the planning permission was dismissed on 19 February 2019.
In Northern Ireland, on 8 February 2019, the Department for Infrastructure asked the High Court to quash the planning permission given so the planning application can be re-determined under new legislation introduced by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in November 2018.
There are currently a number of on-going procurements in relation to the project being undertaken and managed by ESB Networks, such as tower design. However no critical procurement contracts such as construction will be concluded until all planning issues in Northern Ireland are resolved. The earliest possible date for construction to commence is early 2020.
Trading Online Voucher Scheme
Ceisteanna (212)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:212. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount allocated to the digital trading voucher scheme in each of the years 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the amount expended in each year; and the number of digital vouchers provided under the scheme in each year. [17966/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is an initiative specifically designed to support small and micro enterprises to trade online. The scheme offers financial assistance of up to €2,500, subject to matching funding, coupled with training, mentoring and networking supports to help small businesses to develop their online trading capability. Small businesses, with 10 or fewer employees and less than €2m in revenue, that have little or no capacity to trade online, are eligible to apply. The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is funded by my Department and is delivered on a nationwide basis by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) network. Businesses must be located within the jurisdiction of the LEO to which they apply. The Trading Online Voucher Scheme is demand-led and, as such, funding is provided to LEOs and is drawn down based on the value of approved ‘vouchers’ and costs incurred in administering the Scheme.
|
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 (end March) |
|
|
Amount allocated |
€3m |
€3m |
€3m |
€2.3m |
|
Amount spent/drawdown |
€1.7m |
€1.8m |
€1.9m |
Nil (The first drawdown for 2019 is scheduled for end April 2019) |
|
Number of vouchers approved |
1154 |
1196 |
1107 |
290 |
Electricity Generation
Ceisteanna (213)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:213. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if there are plans to convert the Moneypoint power plant to a nuclear power station; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17977/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are no plans to convert the Moneypoint power plant to a nuclear power station. Nuclear powered electricity generation plants are prohibited in Ireland in line with the provisions of section 18 of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999, as amended. Section 18(1) provides that the Minister shall specify by order the criteria in accordance with which an application for an authorisation to construct or reconstruct a generating station may be determined by the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities. Section 18(6) provides that an order under this section shall not provide for the use of nuclear fission for the generation of electricity.
Angling Sector
Ceisteanna (214, 215)
Shane Cassells
Ceist:214. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the projects which have been completed under the National Strategy for Angling Development 2015-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18007/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraShane Cassells
Ceist:215. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the projects which have been sanctioned under the National Strategy for Angling Development 2015-2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18008/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 215 together.
I refer to the reply to Question No. 1033 of 26 March 2019.
The National Strategy for Angling Development is administered by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
I have asked IFI to compile the detailed information sought and provide it directly to the Deputy. I would also be happy to have IFI brief the Deputy in relation to fisheries development works if required.
National Broadband Plan Administration
Ceisteanna (216)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:216. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment further to Parliamentary Question No. 573 of 9 April 2019, if any of the 300 locations referenced are in areas in which commercial operators have indicated plans to roll out broadband, 5G or other Internet services; if this will impact on the roll-out of the national broadband plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18066/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Broadband Connection Point locations referenced by the Deputy are all located in the AMBER area of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) High Speed Broadband Map, which is available on my Department's website at www.broadband.gov.ie.
The AMBER areas represent the target areas for the proposed State led Intervention under the NBP. This intervention is the subject of an ongoing procurement process. In the event of a contract award, these locations have been identified for early connection in co-operation with Department of Rural and Community Development. These designated Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) have been identified by local authority broadband officers in every county and will provide important broadband access for public use in the initial stage of deployment and include locations such as schools, community centres and sports clubs.
National Driver Licensing Service
Ceisteanna (217)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:217. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to ensure that additional resources are provided for the National Driver Licensing Service in view of the additional demands and waiting lists arising in offices such as Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17870/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Driver Licensing Exchange Agreements
Ceisteanna (218)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:218. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans on forming a bilateral agreement with the UK to honour driver licences post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17920/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Section 23A of the Road Traffic Act 1961 allows for the recognition of foreign driving licences for exchange purposes in Ireland. When the United Kingdom leaves the European Union, Ireland will pursue this option and my officials are working on this at present in conjunction with the Road Safety Authority. This may take a little time to complete as it involves a formal bilateral agreement and the introduction of legislation.
Driver Test Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (219)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:219. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of persons to date on waiting lists for driver tests in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the length of time they have been waiting in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17929/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This is a matter for the Road Safety Authority. I have referred the question to the Authority for direct reply. I would ask the Deputy to contact my office if a response is not received within 10 days.
A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 42A
Sports Capital Programme Applications
Ceisteanna (220)
Robert Troy
Ceist:220. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeframe for sports capital grant applications; and when he will announce recipients of funding under this scheme. [18010/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 2018 round of the Sports Capital Programme opened for applications on Friday 7 September and the application period closed on Friday 19th October. By that deadline, a record 2,337 applications were submitted seeking a total of €162m in funding.
186 of these applications were for projects that were deemed invalid under the 2017 round of the programme that subsequently submitted corrected documents. These applications were assessed first and approximately €7m in allocations to 170 projects were announced on the 17th January.
Work is now underway in assessing the new 2018 applications. We hope to process 635 equipment only applications by next month. For the first time, applicants who have submitted incorrect documentation under this round will be given the opportunity to correct their application during the assessment period. While there will be no undue delay in completing the assessment process, in view of the opportunity to correct documentation, the record number of applications received and the detailed information contained in each application, it is likely to take a number of months to have all applications assessed. Accordingly, I expect that it may be the third quarter of this year before the full set of allocations under this current round of the programme are announced.
Missing Children
Ceisteanna (221)
Clare Daly
Ceist:221. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of children reported missing from residential care homes in 2018. [17857/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As these are operational matters, I have asked Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.
Childcare Costs
Ceisteanna (222)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:222. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18002/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Through the National Childcare Scheme and a range of other measures, we are committed to changing Ireland’s childcare system from one of the most expensive in the world to one of the very best. In designing the National Childcare Scheme, extensive research and consultations have been carried out to ensure that this goal is achieved and that the Scheme can help as many families as possible.
The National Childcare Scheme will greatly increase the number of families who can access financial support. The Scheme removes many of the restrictive eligibility requirements of the existing support programmes, whereby a parent must be in receipt of certain Social Protection payments or a Medical Card in order to receive targeted supports. This 'poverty-proofs' the Scheme by ensuring that families at or below the relative income poverty line will benefit from the highest subsidy rates under the Scheme. It will also make work pay for parents trying to get back into employment or training as they will now be able to avail of help with their childcare costs. Many working families will, for the first time, be entitled to subsidies which will reduce their childcare costs significantly. Others will see an increase in their level of subsidy. For example, a family with a child aged two in full-time care (40 hours) and currently benefitting from the maximum subsidy of €145 per week under CCS Band A, would see their subsidy increase to €174 per week, an additional subsidisation of €1,500 per annum.
Arrangements are in place to ensure that no one loses out in the initial transition to the new Scheme. So, whilst there may have been fears that, in a small number of cases, where a family currently receiving the maximum amount of financial support for full-time childcare under an existing programme may receive less under the new Scheme, particularly if their child is, in reality, receiving after-school care only rather than full-time childcare, they will not lose out. The family can continue to access their current targeted supports (i.e. effectively remain on their current payment) until the end of August 2020, 16 months from now.
I have also directed my officials to undertake research and analysis to examine any adjustments to the National Childcare Scheme which might be required to address unusual or anomalous cases, where this is the right thing to do to protect and benefit lower income parents. In this regard, I would highlight that the new National Childcare Scheme has been designed to be flexible, with income thresholds, maximum hours and subsidy rates which can be adjusted in line with Government decisions and as more investment becomes available. As such, any adjustments deemed necessary by Government can be carried out in a quick and responsive manner.
The Scheme is designed so that families who need the most support can receive it. Maximum subsidy rates are payable in all cases where a family meets the lowest income threshold, tapering down smoothly as income increases.
An Income Assessed subsidy is available to families with children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years. This subsidy will vary depending on family income, the child’s age and their educational stage. It can be used towards the cost of a registered childcare place for up to a maximum of 40 hours per week where parents are working, studying or training, or in circumstances where a parent is unavailable to care for a child. Where parents are not working, studying or training, the subsidy will be paid for up to a maximum of 15 hours per week.
In order to qualify for enhanced hours (i.e. up to a maximum of 40 hours per week), both the applicant and the applicant’s partner, if applicable, must meet at least one of the following criteria, they must be:
- In work
- In study
- Transitioning into, or out of, work or study
- Unavailable to provide childcare for the child.
CLÁR Programme
Ceisteanna (223)
Robert Troy
Ceist:223. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development if he will award funding under the CLÁR programme for a group (details supplied). [18003/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, CLÁR is an important part of the Government’s Action Plan for Rural Development and focuses on areas which have suffered the greatest levels of population decline.
I launched the 2019 CLÁR programme on the 28th February last. The programme provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in disadvantaged rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population.
Calls for proposals under the 2019 CLÁR programme were invited under the following measures:
Measure 1: Support for Schools/Community Safety Measures
Measure 2: Play Areas (including MUGAs)
Measure 3: 3(a) First Response Support Measure
3(b) Support for Mobility and Cancer Care Transport.
3(c) Sensory Gardens
Applications under Measures 1, 2 and 3(c) are to be submitted by the relevant Local Authority. Applications under Measures 3(a) and 3(b) were invited from voluntary organisations.
In this case, the group referred to by the Deputy can make an application to Longford County Council to be considered in the Council's submission to my Department for funding. The closing date for receipt of applications by the Department under the 2019 CLÁR Programme is 25 April 2019.
After the closing date, my officials will assess all applications received, and I hope to be in a position to announce the successful projects following that process.
Invalidity Pension Applications
Ceisteanna (224)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied); when the application will be concluded; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17854/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The gentleman referred to has been awarded invalidity pension with effect from 28 February 2019. Payment will issue to his nominated bank account on 18 April 2019. Any arrears due from 28 February 2019 to 17 April 2019 will issue in due course. The gentleman in question was notified of this decision on 12 April 2019.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Pension Provisions
Ceisteanna (225)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:225. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will be informed of the outcome of deliberations of the new pension payment rates for women who cared for children at home. [17865/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since late September 2018, my Department has been examining the social insurance records of approximately 90,000 pensioners, born on or after 1 September 1946, who have a reduced rate State pension contributory entitlement based on post Budget 2012 rate-bands. These payments are being reviewed under a new Total Contributions Approach (TCA) pension calculation which includes provision for HomeCaring periods.
The person concerned has been awarded the maximum possible number of HomeCaring periods in respect of time parenting their children. The person has 960 reckonable paid contributions which combined with reckonable credits and their HomeCaring periods results in a payment rate of 75.38% of the maximum rate pension. As the person is already in receipt of an 85% rate of payment, it is more financially beneficial for them to remain in their existing rate of payment.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals Status
Ceisteanna (226)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:226. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an oral hearing will be held in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17887/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27 February 2019. 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. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has also advised me that your representations, including your request for an oral hearing, will be brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer who is assigned this case.
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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Payments
Ceisteanna (227)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:227. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when arrears will issue for a disability allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17889/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The person concerned has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 5 December 2018. The first payment was made by her chosen payment method on 13 February 2019.
Arrears of payment due have been calculated taking account of overlapping payments and have issued to the person concerned on 12 April 2019.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Disability Allowance Applications Waiting Times
Ceisteanna (228)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:228. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the length of time it is taking to process disability allowance applications; and the number of applications waiting to be processed. [17924/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In February 2019 , the average waiting time to award a new disability allowance application was 14 weeks. At the end of February 2019, there were 5,773 disability allowance applications awaiting decision.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Invalidity Pension Waiting Times
Ceisteanna (229)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:229. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the waiting times for the processing of applications for invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17925/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The average time taken to process a new IP claim in February 2019 was eight weeks. The Department is committed to ensuring that claims are processed as expeditiously as possible.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Benefits Waiting Times
Ceisteanna (230)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:230. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the waiting times for processing carer's allowance and carer's benefit applications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17926/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State while carer's benefit (CARB) is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce. Both payments can be made to people who are providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
At the end of February 2019 the average waiting time for a decision on a new CA claim was 15 weeks while it was 12 weeks for CARB claims. Additional resources have been applied to the processing of CA claims and this continues to reduce the average week to process.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals Status
Ceisteanna (231)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:231. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an oral hearing will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17943/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18 February 2019. 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 on 26 March 2019 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 has also advised me that your representations, including your request for an oral hearing, will be brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer who is assigned this case.
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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Flexible Work Practices
Ceisteanna (232)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:232. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the legislative Acts and provisions in operation for consideration to be given to requests from employees for flexible working arrangements in the workplace. [17971/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In Ireland, there are no explicit legislative provisions governing flexible hours and flexible working arrangements. Flexible hours and flexible working arrangements are generally at the discretion of individual employers and are not governed by specific legislation.
The Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001 (the 2001 Act) implemented EU Council Directive 97/81/EC into Irish law. The purpose of the Directive was to eliminate discrimination against part-time employees and to improve the quality of part-time work. It also aimed to facilitate the development of part-time work on a voluntary basis and to contribute to the flexible organisation of working time in a manner which takes into account the needs of employers and employees.
Section 13(5) of the 2001 Act contains provisions regarding the preparation and publishing of a Code of Practice by the Workplace Relations Commission in relation to the steps that could be taken by employers for the purposes of giving consideration to a request by workers to transfer from full-time work to part-time and vice-versa.
Following consultation with the social partners, the Code of Practice (Code of Practice on Access to Part-Time Working) (Declaration) Order 2006 (S.I. No. 8 of 2006) was implemented, in 2006. The Code is admissible in evidence in any proceedings before a Court, the Labour Court or an Adjudication Officer of the Workplace Relations Commission.
The Code seeks to:
- Encourage best practice and conformity with the provisions of the Employment Equality Acts 1998-2004 and the Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Act 2001;
- Promote the development of policies and procedures to assist employers, employees and their representatives, as appropriate, to improve access to part-time work for those employees who wish to work on a part-time basis;
- Promote discussion and encourage employers, employees and their representatives, as appropriate, to consider part-time work and to address any barriers that may exist;
- Stimulate employers - where consistent with business requirements - to provide wider access to part-time work options;
- Provide a framework and practical guidance on procedures for accessing part-time work;
- Inform those who are interested in part-time work.
Further information regarding the rights of part-time employees is available from Workplace Relations Commission's Information and Customer Service.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Flexible Work Practices
Ceisteanna (233)
Clare Daly
Ceist:233. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a worker on a 26 to 31 hour band can work more hours provided both the employer and the employee agree to same. [17975/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In general an employee who is employed on any band of hours can work more hours provided both the employer and employee agree to same.
Employers can flex employees’ hours of work provided such hours do not breach the employment contract or the Organisation of Working Time Act.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Eligibility
Ceisteanna (234)
Clare Daly
Ceist:234. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a self-employed person paying class S PRSI who has to retire from their employment to care for a sick partner is entitled to a carer's allowance; if not, her plans to address the matter or outline the entitlements to an alternative payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17982/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Carer's Benefit (CARB) is a PRSI based payment made to a person who leaves the workforce to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention. An increased payment can be made where full-time care is being provided to two people.
In order to qualify, the applicant must have paid a certain number of PRSI contributions. Only contributions at Class A, B, C, D, H and E can be counted towards Carer's Benefit. Class S (self-employed contributions) do not count.
Instead the person concerned may have an entitlement to Carer's allowance (CA). CA is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.
In order to qualify, applicants must show that they are habitually resident in the State, that their means are less than the statutory limit, that they are providing full-time care and attention and that the person being cared for requires that level of care.
Means are any income belonging to the carer and their spouse, civil partner, or cohabitant, property, (except their own home) or an asset that could bring in money or provide them with an income, for example occupational pensions, or pensions or benefits from another country.
The person being cared for must have such a disability that as a result they require full-time care and attention.
This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continual supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
In addition the carer must be providing this level of care.
Applications forms for CA can be found at any Intreo or Citizens' Information Office Nationwide or can be downloaded from my Department's website, www.welfare.ie
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Invalidity Pension Appeals
Ceisteanna (235)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:235. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an invalidity pension appeal by a person (details supplied). [18001/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10th April 2019. 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. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.