Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
378. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) can expect a decision from the officer in relation to an appeal lodged for the carer's allowance; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19546/23]
View answerThe 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 in that office on 14 December 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 20 April 2023 and referred the same day 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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
