Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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An application for Disability Allowance by the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer of the Department on 24 February 2023.

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.  I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, following a check on their systems, there is no record of an appeal from the person concerned being received in that Office.   

In the normal course, an appeal against a decision of a deciding officer must be made within 21 days of the decision being notified.  Appeals received outside of this time limit may be accepted at the discretion of the Chief Appeals Officer. 

In light of the Deputy's question, the Appeals Office has now written to the person concerned seeking grounds of appeal and an explanation for the failure to submit an appeal within the prescribed timeframe.  On receipt of the response, it will be determined whether a late appeal can be accepted.  Should a late appeal be accepted it will be referred to an Appeals Officer.