John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 98: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if carer's allowance will be approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if she will expedite the matter. [30642/11]

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

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the available evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer's decision.

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.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 99: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if the investigation into the claim or benefit being paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny has been resolved; and if not, if she will confirm the timeframe for a decision in the case. [30648/11]

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 3 October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Department 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.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 100: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite the matter. [30649/11]

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

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case.

There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 when the intake rose to 32,432. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order. In the context of dealing with the considerable number of appeals now on hand, the Department made nine additional appointments to the office earlier this year.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.

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.