Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 296: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when the social welfare appeals office expects to make a decision on mortgage interest supplement appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34203/11]

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 this case took place on 01 September 2011. Following the hearing, the Appeals Officer wrote to the person concerned seeking additional information concerning her agreement with the mortgage provider. On receipt of a response from the person concerned, the Appeals Officer will further consider the appeal.

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.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 298: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an illness benefit appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34241/11]

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

Payment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal the person concerned was examined by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, following receipt of the grounds of appeal from the person concerned the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department were requested. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 27 October 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 09 November 2011 who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.

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.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 300: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has yet been made on a supplementary welfare allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34258/11]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 305: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has yet been made on a supplementary welfare allowance appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34311/11]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 300 and 305 together.

Following on from the transfer of the Community Welfare Service from the Health Services Executive (HSE) to the Department of Social Protection, with effect from Saturday 1st October, legislation was commenced which provides that appeals for supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) will be made to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Up to now, the legislation provided for a 2 step process, first to the Health Services Executive (HSE) and, if still dissatisfied, to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

As part of that process, any appeals that have been submitted in recent weeks to the HSE are being transferred to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. These appeals will be registered and acknowledged by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in due course. In this case, I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for SWA for the person concerned has not yet been registered. The Chief Appeals Officer has assured me that all appropriate measures are being taken to address the smooth transfer of SWA appeals to her 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.