John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

608. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will review upwards the rent allowance being paid to persons (details supplied); the reason the rent allowance was reduced from €112 per week to €40 per week; and if their circumstances and poor health will be considered as part of the review. [20577/17]

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 referred to an Appeals Officer on 20^thApril 2017, who 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.