Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2024
274. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) who submitted an appeal on 15 November 2023 with regard to benefit payment for 65-year-olds has not yet received a decision on the matter, when a decision is likely to be reached in this case; the reason for the delay;; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30750/24]
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 28th February 2024.
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. These papers were received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 28th June 2024 and the case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 15th July 2024, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
