Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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590. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31032/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that two appeals by the person concerned were registered in that office on 12 June 2017. 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 cases in question will be referred to an appeals officer who will make a summary decision on the appeals based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal 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.