John McGuinness
Ceist:159. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the case of a person (details supplied). [5121/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 1 February 2023
Ceisteanna (159)
Freagraí scríofa
The 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 for carer's allowance by the person concerned was registered in that office on 4 November 2022. 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. These papers were returned to the Appeals Office on 21 December 2022 and referred on 5 January 2023 to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.
The fuel allowance scheme is operated by the Department of Social Protection. The scheme is administrative in nature and and does not have a right of appeal to the Chief Appeals Officer. Any questions regarding fuel allowance should be addressed to the relevant area in the Department of Social Protection.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.