Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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231. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an oral hearing will be granted in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17943/19]

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 18 February 2019.  It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.  These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 26 March 2019 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has also advised me that your representations, including your request for an oral hearing, will be brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer who is assigned this case.

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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.