Michael Healy-Rae
Question:270. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21753/25]
View answerThursday, 1 May 2025
Questions (270)
Written answers
The 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.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for this customer was received and registered on the 31st of March, 2025. 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.
Should the Department not be in a position to revise the Deciding Officer’s decision in favour of the appellant, the necessary documentation will be forwarded electronically to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Once that documentation is received, it will be assigned 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.