Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 May 2019
176. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason for the delay in deciding an appeal for supplementary welfare allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); and if a decision has now been reached. [21289/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned in relation to diet supplement was registered in that office on 22 October 2018. The case was referred to an Appeals Officer who on 28 February 2019 requested some necessary clarification from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection on certain issues relating to the payment of the supplement to the person in previous years.
This clarification has just been received from the Department and the Appeals Officer 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 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.
