Brendan Ryan (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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641. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason there has been a delay in the appeals decision for a person (details supplied); if a decision will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43518/18]

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 received by that office on 31 August 2018. The appeal was accompanied by the relevant Departmental papers. The case was  referred to an Appeals Officer on 18 October 2018 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.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.