Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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343. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in determination of appeal in the case of a person (details supplied); if an oral hearing can be arranged in this instance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4467/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, an appeal was registered on 22 November 2016, and in accordance with the statutory requirements, the Appeals Office contacted the person concerned and asked her to set out the complete grounds of her appeal.

The grounds of appeal were received in this case on 21 December 2016 and in accordance with the statutory requirements of the appeals process the relevant departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal have been be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will consider if the appeal can determined on a summary basis based on the documentary evidence presented or if an oral appeal hearing is required.

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.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.