Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1114. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) will be expedited given that it is affecting their level of care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29673/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 April 2022. 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. Those papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 17 May 2022 and the case was referred on 10 June 2022 to an Appeals Officer.
The Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
