Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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619. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive a date and time for their oral appeal hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47985/18]

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 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 hearing. 

Summary decisions may be made where an Appeals Officer is of the opinion that the case is of such a nature that it can be properly determined on the basis of documentary evidence and without 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.