Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1207. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when appeals in the case of a person (details supplied) will be heard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35562/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a carer's allowance appeal was registered in that office on 21st May 2018.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.

A jobseeker's allowance appeal was also registered in that office on 26th June 2018. The papers relating to this case were received in the Appeals Office on 31st July 2018. However, the file in question was subsequently recalled by the Department on enquiry. The Appeals Office is currently awaiting their response. 

If the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet his/her needs he/she should contact his/her local Intreo Office regarding his/her possible entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance.

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.