Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 336: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite and approve payment of a jobseeker's assistance claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if this person's claim for child benefit will be approved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21956/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the jobseeker's allowance appeal, of the person concerned, took place on 15 July 2011 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined. With regard to the child benefit claim, of the person concerned, the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal by way of summary decision. The Appeals Officers decision issued 12 August 2010 and no subsequent child benefit appeal has been received by that office. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Noel Harrington (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 337: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a date for their oral hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21961/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the person concerned will receive a date for their oral hearing in the next two weeks.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 338: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21962/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 19 April 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.