Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1486. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35163/17]

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

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned was held on 9 March 2017. However, the appeal decision was not finalised due to the Appeals Officer’s sudden absence from work due to illness.

While it had been hoped that the Appeals Officer would be in a position to return to work in the short term, unfortunately this has not proven to be the case. In the circumstances and in order to ensure fair procedure and natural justice for the person concerned, I am advised that the Chief Appeals Officer has decided to assign the appeal to another Appeals Officer and that a further oral hearing will be scheduled as a matter of urgency in order to expedite the appeal.

Every effort will be made to determine the appeal of the person concerned as quickly as possible and she will be informed as soon as arrangements for the oral hearing have been made.

I am advised that the person concerned has been notified of the unfortunate developments with regard to the processing of her appeal and has received an apology for any inconvenience caused.

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.