Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 320: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16687/12]

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 10th March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in due course 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.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 321: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); when a decision on their case may be expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16692/12]

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 28th October 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 13th February 2012 and the appeal will be assigned, in due course, to an Appeals Officer 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.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 322: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) when a decision on their case may be expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16693/12]

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 29th February 2012. 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. 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 323: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if following an oral hearing, carers allowance will now be paid to a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will expedite a decision. [16723/12]

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 12th March 2012 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the oral hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined.

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 324: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal submitted by a relative to her Department's decision to reduce one parent family payment will be expedited and approved in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [16729/12]

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

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal for the person concerned hasn't been registered. However, because of the large number of appeals currently being lodged, there is a delay of some three weeks in registering appeals and appeals received in this timeframe may not yet have been registered. The Chief Appeals Officer has assured me that all appropriate measures are being taken to address this backlog in registration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.