John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

188. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their carer's allowance appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47737/13]

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 4 April 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 25 July 2013 and the case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 8 August 2013. The Appeals Officer subsequently requested clarification on certain issues from the Department of Social Protection.

This clarification has now been received and the Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an 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.