Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 345: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason it is taking so long for a decision on a social welfare allowance payment appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3517/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 6 December 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.