Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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465. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an appeal by a person (details supplied) has been registered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24361/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a carer's allowance appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 16 May 2023. 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. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be 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 appeal hearing.

The Appeals Office is also dealing with a disability allowance appeal from the person concerned. The Appeals Officer initially disallowed the appeal. However, the decision is currently under review based on a request by the person concerned. It is envisaged that the outcome of this review will be issued to the person concerned in the near future.

I trust that clarifies the matter for the Deputy.