Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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363. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a supplementary welfare allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; if she will issue an emergency payment in view of the fact that this person is in a crisis situation and requires immediate assistance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25221/13]

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 10 April 2013. 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 case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

I understand that the person concerned has not made an application for an Exceptional Needs Payment from the Community Welfare Services. If he wishes to do so it is open to him to contact the local Community Welfare 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.