Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:306. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection if an oral hearing will be facilitated for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23558/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 May 2024
Ceisteanna (306)
Freagraí scríofa
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.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 22 January 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 in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 20 March 2024.
The case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 9 April 2024, who will in due course make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.
The regulations governing appeals provide that it is a matter for the appeals officer to decide whether an oral hearing is required or whether an appeal can be decided by way of summary decision.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.