Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

188. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an appeal has been completed for a carer's support grant application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14112/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 14 December 2022. 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. These papers were returned to the Appeals Office on 2 February 2023 and referred on 3 February 2023 to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

189. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the most recent application for the disability allowance will be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14148/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions

I confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 23 March 2022. Based on the evidence supplied in support of this application, it was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition was not satisfied.

The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 26 May 2022, and they were given the right to a review or an appeal. An appeal was lodged with the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). On 27 October 2022, the SWAO notified the DA section that the original decision was upheld and the appeal was disallowed. The person concerned was notified directly by the SWAO regarding their appeal.

An Appeals Officer’s decision is final and conclusive in absence of any fresh facts or evidence. It is open to the person in question to reapply for DA. An application form has been posted to the person concerned on 20 March 2023.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.