The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that no appeal by the person concerned has been received by that office. On foot of the Deputy's question an appeal form was forwarded to the person concerned on 6 October 2021 by the Appeals Office requesting them to state the grounds on which they are seeking an appeal of the Deciding Officer's decision. Should a reply be received, the appeal will be registered and processed in the normal manner. The person concerned also has a right to request the Department to review the decision of the Deciding Officer.
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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.