Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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815. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for child benefit in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27801/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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. 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. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 13 March 2023 and the case was referred on 28 March 2023 to an Appeals Officer who has been contacted to expedite this appeal. The Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision as soon as the appeal has been determined.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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816. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision on their appeal for a domiciliary care allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27803/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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 13 February 2023. 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. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 22 March 2023 and the case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 13 April 2023.

The Appeals Officer has confirmed that the appeal is scheduled to be concluded and a decision issued within the next 2 weeks.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.