Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

236. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an oral hearing will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied) in respect of their appeal for a carer's allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23121/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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 11 May 2016. 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 papers have been received from the Department, the appeal 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 hearing. Your request for an Oral Hearing will be brought to the attention of the Appeals 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.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.