Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2024
272. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of the case of a person (details supplied) who was on long-term illness benefit for approximately 21 or 22 years but has been taken off that payment and asked to apply for invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30671/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 8th March 2024. Additional medical evidence was subsequently received from the person concerned. The case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 9th 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.
