Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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95. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason the file pertaining to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 22 has not been forwarded to the appeals office by her Department; when it will be provided to that office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48519/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, an appeal by the person concerned was registered on 20 June 2013 and in accordance with the statutory requirements, the Appeals Office contacted the appellant and asked her to set out the complete grounds of her appeal. This information was submitted on the 17 July 2013 and in accordance with the statutory procedures, the Department was asked to provide the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer’s comments on the grounds of the appeal.

These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 6 November 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.

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.