Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

118. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a carer's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied). [43008/13]

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

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3September 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 24 September 2013 and the case 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.

If the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet her needs it is open to her to contact her local Community Welfare service regarding her possible entitlement to Supplementary Welfare Allowance pending the outcome of her appeal.

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.