Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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235. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal can be conducted regarding the estate of a deceased person's (details supplied) State pension issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15131/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that there is no record of an appeal on behalf of the estate of the deceased person concerned. In general, an appeal should be submitted within 21 working days of the Deciding Officer’s decision.

In light of ongoing correspondence between the executor of the estate of the deceased person concerned and the State Pension (Non Contributory) Section of my Department, the Chief Appeals Officer has advised that she will accept an appeal outside the 21 day timeframe provided the appeal is submitted without any further delay. In order to make a valid appeal the executor of the estate of the deceased person concerned should write to the Social Welfare Appeals Office specifying the grounds on which the Deciding Officer’s decision is disputed. On receipt of same an appeal will be registered.

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. If you require further assistance with this query please do not hesitate to contact my office.