Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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123. To ask the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 695 of 18 September 2013, the additional documentation that is outstanding in order to process this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40137/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the representations submitted by the Deputy have been accepted as grounds of appeal in respect of the person concerned. 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 these have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.

It is open to the person concerned to submit any additional information that will assist his appeal which will be brought to the attention of the Appeal Officer who is assigned this case.

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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.