Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 July 2024
277. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue in respect of an appeal for a person in County Mayo (details supplied), in view of the fact that this appeal is ongoing since 15 December 2022, and the hardship that is being caused to this person by this extreme delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30812/24]
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 November 2022. 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 6th January 2023, and the case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 25th January 2023.
Correspondence between the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the representatives of the person concerned is ongoing in relation to the appeal. A letter issued to the representatives on 7 May 2024 and a reply is awaited for the appeal to proceed further.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
