Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1191. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) can appeal a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34023/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The person concerned made an application for an Exceptional Needs Payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that some decisions taken by officers of my Department are administrative in nature and are therefore not open to appeal to that office. Exceptional Needs Payments made under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance Scheme fall into this category of administrative decisions. While these decisions cannot be appealed to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, there is an option of a review of the decision by a more senior officer. I am advised that the person concerned did avail of this review option, but the decision to disallow the payment was upheld by a more senior 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.