Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason an application for farm assist was refused in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3168/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The farm assist application, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on the grounds that his means are in excess of the statutory limit and is not engaged in husbandry.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including the comments of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal, the case was referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Appeals Officer has referred the case back to the Deciding Officer for clarification on certain matters. On receipt of her response, the appeal will be further considered by the Appeals Officer.

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.