Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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1464. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason it is taking the Social Welfare Appeals Office nearly two years to make a section 318 decision in the case of a person (details supplied); and his views on whether it is reasonable that a decision be made promptly to allow the person’s family to sort out their deceased mother’s affairs. [20611/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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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 system is underpinned by legislation which sets down the roles, powers and functions of the Social Welfare Appeals Office and its Appeals Officers.

The Chief Appeals Officer has power under Section 318 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 to revise any decision where it appears to her that the Appeals Officer’s decision was erroneous by reason of some mistake having been made in relation to the law or the facts.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that The Chief Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, did not find that the Appeals Officer erred in fact or in law and so she did not revise the decision. The relevant parties have been notified. And may I offer my condolences to the deceased's family members.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.