Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
501. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in processing a disability allowance application by a person (details supplied); if the appeal lodged by this Deputy will be expedited and approved; and if not, if an oral hearing will be arranged. [34959/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered on the 16th March 2023. 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.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office have contacted the Department regarding this matter and they have confirmed that these papers will be provided shortly.
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 necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
