Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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554. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an appeal by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43399/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 5 October 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 Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

If the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet his needs, it is open to him to contact his local Intreo Centre to explore his possible entitlement to a means tested payment under the Supplementary Welfare Allowance scheme pending the outcome of his Jobseeker’s Benefit appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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555. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43400/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 3 August 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 case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal 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 Employment Affairs and 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.