Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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402. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in determining an appeal (details supplied); when a final determination is likely to issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17529/24]

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 31 August 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. These papers were returned to the Appeals Office on 19 October 2023 and the appeal was referred on 01 November 2023 to an Appeals Officer. The Appeals Officer requested additional information on certain issues from the appellant on 08 March 2024. This information has not been provided so the Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence available or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.