Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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419. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application by a person (details supplied) will be examined; the status of this application; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30865/23]

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 an appeal was received to that office on 14February 2023. In the interest of confidentiality and Office Data Protection obligations an authority to act was sought giving permission for someone to act on behalf of the person concerned.

An appeal by the person concerned was subsequently registered on the 22 June 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. The Appeal was referred to an Appeals Officer on 26th June 2023, 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.