This guide is produced to help members of the public in ascertaining and exercising their rights under the Freedom of Information Act, 1997 (as amended) . It is published in accordance with sections 15 and 16 of the Act.
contains information on the rules and practices of the Office in exercising its statutory duties.
1.1 Statutory rights
1.2 Purpose of this guide
1.3 Explanation of terms
2.1 Description and Functions
2.2 Mission Statement
2.3 Organisation
2.4 Structure
2.4.1 Appeals Officers
2.4.2 Administration
2.5 Delivery of service
3 .1 Making an appeal
3.1.1 Notification of appeal
3.1.2 Time for making an appeal
3.1.3 Content of appeal
3.1.4 Acknowledgement of appeal
3.1.5 Withdrawal of appeal
3.2 Pre-determination procedures
3.2.1 Submission by Department
3.2.2 Revised decision by the Department
3.2.3 Notification to concerned persons
3.2.4 Referral of appeal to Appeals Officer
3.2.5 Alternate reference to courts
3.3 Procedures relating to determining appeals
3.3.1 Requests for further information
3.3.2 Summary procedures or oral hearings
3.3.3 Venue for oral hearing
3.3.4 Attendance at oral hearing
3.3.5 Payment of expenses
3.3.6 Format of oral hearing
3.3.7 Failure to attend oral hearing
3.4 Post-determination procedures
3.4.1 Decision of Appeals Officer
3.4.2 Notification of decision
4.1 Question for consideration
4.2 Evidence to be considered
4.3 Application of legislation
4.4 Statutory interpretations
5.1 Revision by an Appeals Officer or by Chief Appeals Officer
5.2 Review by Courts
6.1 Routinely available information
6.2 Classes of record held
6.3 Applications under the FOI Act
6.3.1 Statutory rights
6.3.2 Records covered by the Act
6.3.3 Where to send your request
6.3.4 Decision within 4 weeks
6.4 Fees
6.4.1 Upfront fees
6.4.2 Search and Retrieval/Photocopying fees
6.5 Rights of review and appeal
6.5.1 Internal review
6.5.2 Review by the commissioner
A. Glossary of Terms
B. Jurisdiction of Appeals Officer
C. Organisation Chart of Office
The Freedom of Information Act 1997 (FOI), which came into effect on 21 April, 1998 , established three new statutory rights:
The Act asserts the right of members of the public to obtain access to official information to the greatest extent possible consistent with the public interest and the right to privacy of individuals.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office (the Office) is a public body within the meaning of the Freedom of Information Act. This manual has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of sections 15 and 16 of the Act. Its purpose is to facilitate access to official information held by outlining
As some terminology used to describe the work of the Office and the information held may not be familiar to the general public, an explanation of the more common elements of this terminology is set out in the glossary at Appendix A.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office operates independently of the Department of Social Protection.
It is charged with determining appeals by persons who are dissatisfied with decisions made by
(a) Deciding Officers / Designated Persons of the Department on questions relating to entitlement to social welfare payments and insurability of employment under the Social Welfare Acts.
The statutory basis for the appeals process is contained in Part 10 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 and in Regulations made under provisions of that legislation.
A list of the matters within the jurisdiction of the appeals process is set out in Appendix B
Further general information on the appeals process is to be found in the leaflets produced by the Office and in the annual reports by the Chief appeals Officer to the Minister for Social Protection.
The mission of the Social Welfare Appeals Office is to provide an independent, accessible and fair appeals service for entitlement to social welfare payments and to deliver that service in a prompt and courteous manner.
In seeking to fulfil that role the Office places particular value on a high level of customer service and efficient administration.
The Office is headed by the Chief Appeals Officer who, as Director of the Office, has overall responsibility for the administration of the appeals service.
There is also a Deputy Chief Appeals Officer and an Office Manager who is responsible for administrative operations.
The Chief Appeals Officer, Deputy Chief Appeals Officer and Appeals Officers are appointed by the Minister for Social protection in accordance with statutory provisions.
An organisation chart of the Office is at Appendix C.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office is based in D'Olier House, D'Olier Street, Dublin 2.
The Office has two distinct facets which combine to provide the appeals process the statutory determining function of the Appeals Officers and the administrative procedures which support the exercise of that function.
Appeals Officers are administrative tribunals exercising their functions in a quasi-judicial manner.
The Supreme Court [McLoughlin v. Minister for Social Welfare, (1958) I.R.5] has ruled that the duty of an Appeals Officer
"is laid upon him by the Oireachtas and he is required to perform it as between the parties that appear before him freely and fairly as becomes anyone who is called upon to decide on matters of right or obligation".
In that same judgement the Court also ruled that Appeals Officers
"are, ...and are required to be, free and unrestricted in discharging their functions under the Act".
The administrative arm of the Office provides the ancillary administrative services for appellants and other persons involved in the appeals system.
A computer system (containing limited identifying personal details) is used to keep track of appeals through the various stages of the appeals process.
As mentioned above, the Office is concerned with the processing of appeals against decisions made by Deciding Officers / Designated Persons of the Department relating to entitlement to social welfare payments and insurability of employment under the Social Welfare Acts.
Every person who receives such an adverse decision is advised as a matter of course in the notification of the decision of the right of appeal.
A fuller description of the procedures, statutory and otherwise, involved in the appeals process is set out in Part 2 of this manual.
The procedures followed in processing an appeal are outlined in this section of the manual.
The statutory procedures are provided for in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 and/or the Social Welfare (Appeals) Regulations, 1998. References to "Sections" in the following are to provisions of the Act and references to "Articles" are to provisions of the Regulations.
In the case of a decision made by a Deciding Officer / Designated Person of the Department, any person who is dissatisfied with that decision may, by giving notice of appeal to the Chief Appeals Officer within the statutory time limit, have the question referred to an Appeals Officer for determination (Section 311). The Section is interpreted as applying to persons with a material interest in the decision.
While the statutory notice of appeal is to the Chief Appeals Officer, in practice it may be sent either directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office or it may be handed in to any office of the Department of Social Protection for transmission to the Office.
A person making an appeal is entitled to know fully the basis on which the initial claim was disallowed.
There is no charge for making an appeal.
The notice of appeal must be made within 21 days of the notification of the Deciding Officer's / Designated Person's decision (Section 311 and Article 9) but notice of appeal made after that period may be accepted with the approval of the Chief Appeals Officer (Article 9).
In exercising discretion under this provision, factors to which the Chief Appeals Officer would have regard would include the reasons for the delay, the length of the delay (the longer the delay the more cogent should be the reason for the delay), the question at issue, the prospects of success and the interests of justice.
The notice of appeal must contain a statement of the facts and contentions upon which the appellant intends to rely (Article 9). The statutory procedures require that the notice of appeal be accompanied by whatever documentary evidence the appellant wishes to submit in support of the appeal. In practice, however, documentary evidence submitted subsequent to the notice of appeal will be considered by the Appeals Officer.
Every notice of appeal received in the Office is acknowledged and a leaflet containing an introductory guide to the appeals system is enclosed with the acknowledgement.
The appeal is recorded on a computerised register of appeals which is then used for monitoring the appeal through the appeals process.
A person may withdraw the appeal at any stage by giving notice in writing to the Chief Appeals Officer but, in practice, notice of intention to withdraw an appeal will be accepted by telephone or personal call. An appeal may be deemed to be withdrawn where the indications are that the appellant is no longer interested in pursuing the appeal and so the appeal has effectively been abandoned.
In the case of an appeal against the decision of a Deciding Officer / Designated Person, the Chief Appeals Officer is obliged to notify the Minister of the appeal. The Minister must then furnish to the Chief Appeals Officer a statement, by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer / Designated Person, showing to what extent the facts and contentions advanced in the grounds of appeal are admitted or disputed. Any information, document or item in the power or control of the Deciding Officer / Designated Person that is relevant to the appeal must also be furnished (Article 10).
In fulfilling this statutory requirement, the Department may undertake further investigation of any new facts or evidence arising from the appeal, for instance by a Social Welfare Inspector. In the case of a claim to a sickness or disability related payment, the Department may arrange a further examination by a Medical Assessor.
It is open to the Deciding Officer / Designated Person of the Department to make a revised decision on the question at issue, prior to determination of the appeal, but only if such a revised decision would be in favour of the appellant (Section 301). Where a revised decision is made at this stage, effect is given to it by the Department and the appeal is thereby resolved.
If a revised decision by the Deciding Officer / Designated Person is not possible, the papers are submitted to the Chief Appeals Officer for referral to an Appeals Officer for determination. An appellant will be advised of any additional evidence adverse to his/her case which arises from such further investigation and will be afforded an opportunity to comment on it.
Notice that an appeal has been submitted is issued to any other person who appears to be concerned, i.e. a person with a material interest in the case (Article 11). The calling of witnesses who might be in a position to furnish evidence in relation to the matter to be determined is a function of the Appeals Officer paragraphs 3.3.4 and 3.3.6 below.
On receipt of a submission from the Department, the question at issue is referred to an Appeals Officer (Section 257 or 257A) for determination and the appellant is so informed.
The Chief Appeals Officer may, where s/he considers it appropriate, refer the appeal to the High Court for decision. This procedure has not been used to date but it is envisaged that its use would be confined to appeals where complex points of law would be involved (Section 306).
It is, also, open to the Chief Appeals Officer to certify that the ordinary appeals procedures are inadequate to secure the effective processing of an appeal and to direct that the appellant submit the appeal to the Circuit Court for determination (Section 307). In practice this procedure is confined to appeals where special arrangements might need to be made for the anonymity of witnesses at an oral hearing.
An Appeals Officer to whom an appeal is referred may request any person concerned to furnish further particulars with respect to the appeal and may allow amendment of the notice of appeal and of any statements made (Article 12).
Where the Appeals Officer is of the opinion that the appeal can be determined on the basis of the documentary evidence and without the need for an oral hearing s/he may determine the appeal summarily (Article 13).
Where the Appeals Officer considers that an oral hearing is required to determine the question at issue, s/he will arrange for an oral hearing of the appeal (Article 14).
The circumstances in which an oral hearing is required are not specified in legislation. In Kiely v. Minister for Social Welfare (Supreme Court 1977 l.R. 267) the Court stated that
"An appeal is of such a nature that it can be determined summarily if a determination of the claim can fairly be made on a consideration of the documentary evidence. If, however, there are unresolved conflicts in the documentary evidence, as to any matter essential to a ruling of the claim, the intention of the Regulations is that those conflicts be resolved by an oral hearing".
More recently [Galvin v. the Chief Appeals Officer and the Minister for Social Welfare, High Court 1997 3 l.R 240] the High Court stated
"There are no hard and fast rules to guide an Appeals Officer or, on an application for judicial review, this court, as to when the dictates of fairness require the holding of an oral hearing. The case (like others) must be decided on the circumstances pertaining, the nature of the inquiry being undertaken by the decision-maker, the rules under which the decision-maker is acting and the subject matter with which he is dealing and account should also be taken as to whether an oral hearing was requested."
In practice an Appeals Officer will arrange an oral hearing in cases where there is conflict in the evidence presented by both parties or whenever a hearing is requested to enable the appellant to present his/her case adequately. An oral hearing would also invariably be held where the decision at issue has resulted in an overpayment of social welfare payment repayable by the appellant.
Where an oral hearing of an appeal is considered necessary, the appellant is so notified and is sent a copy of the leaflet "A guide to appeal hearings". Arrangements are made to hold the hearing as soon as possible. Where the volume of appeals due for hearings is such that an early hearing may not be possible, the person is notified of the possible delay.
In the Dublin area appeals are heard in the Social Welfare Appeals Office in D'Olier House. Outside Dublin, the hearing is arranged at a venue convenient to the appellant.
Timely notices are sent to all parties concerned.
The appellant will ordinarily appear at the oral hearing in person and may be accompanied by a member of his/her family or, with the consent of the Appeals Officer, by any other person.
An appellant may also be professionally represented if s/he so wishes.
Also present at the oral hearing may be the Deciding Officer / Designated Person who made the decision or they may be represented by another officer of the Minister. Any other person whom the Appeals Officer considers should be heard may also attend (Article 15).
If a person has to travel to attend the hearing, the Appeals Officer will arrange reimbursement for reasonable travel and subsistence expenses and compensation for any loss of earnings (Section 316).
The costs of professional representation at an oral hearing are not paid. However, the Appeals Officer may make an award in regard to such representation but only in respect of the representative's actual attendance at the oral hearing (Section 316).
Oral hearings are held in private and the aim is to keep the proceedings as informal as possible. However, the Appeals Officer may, if s/he thinks it appropriate, take evidence on oath and administer oaths to persons attending as witnesses at the hearing (Section 313).
The Appeals Officer will begin the hearing by introducing him/herself and all other persons present. S/he will also indicate if there are other persons whom it is intended to call to give evidence in the course of the hearing. The Appeals Officer will then outline the Deciding Officer's / Designated Person's decision against which the appeal is being made, the grounds of the appeal and the Department's response to these grounds. Evidence will be taken from any witnesses.
At the hearing the appellant is afforded every opportunity to set out his/her case and to question any evidence offered by witnesses. Alternatively, his/her representative, should s/he have one, may do this on his/her behalf.
In a minority of cases the Appeals Officer may be compelled to postpone or adjourn the hearing. This might be necessary if, for example, a crucial witness is not available or some additional evidence requiring further investigation is introduced at the hearing. In other cases the Appeals Officer may agree to defer consideration of the appeal to give the appellant the opportunity of obtaining some further evidence in support of his/her case e.g. a Medical Consultant's report.
Where a person fails to attend an oral hearing, the Appeals Officer may take such steps as s/he considers appropriate to determine the appeal (Article 17).
An Appeals Officer may, by giving notice in writing, require a person to attend an oral hearing and to produce any relevant documents. A person failing to comply with such a notice is guilty of an offence and, on summary conviction, may be fined up to €1,500 (Section 314). This provision has been availed of to require witnesses to attend to give evidence on the question being determined.
Following his/her consideration of the appeal, including evidence adduced at the oral hearing, the Appeals Officer will normally be in a position to make a decision within 3/4 weeks of the hearing.
The decision of the Appeals Officer will be in writing and, where the decision is not in favour of the appellant, will include a note on the reasons for the decision (Article 19).
A notification of the decision and, in the case of an unfavourable decision the accompanying note of reasons, will be sent to the appellant and any other person concerned (Article 19). The relevant papers are returned to the Department at that stage for any necessary action in relation to the decision.
The question before the Appeals Officer for determination is the same question as was before the Deciding Officer / Designated Person who made the initial decision. The Appeals Officer is not confined to the grounds on which the initial decision was based and s/he may consider the question as if it were being determined for the first time (Section 311). In practice, the appeal will be concerned with the grounds for the initial unfavourable decision and an appellant will not be required to defend a possible failure to satisfy some other condition relating to the payment claimed.
In considering the question at issue, the Appeals Officer will have regard to all relevant evidence including the documentary material. This material may include reports of Departmental Investigating Officers and, where appropriate, Medical Assessors, the grounds of appeal including any documentation submitted with it and the submission by or on behalf of the officer who made the decision. Other documentary evidence could consist of correspondence from an employer as to the occurrence of an occupational accident or in regard to how a person's employment terminated. As well as that, the Appeals Officer will also have regard to any facts emerging from the presentation of evidence at the oral hearing.
The conditions underlying entitlement to benefit are contained in provisions of social welfare legislation [the Social Welfare Acts and Regulations made thereunder] and the Appeals Officer must apply this legislation to his/her findings of the facts in determining the question under appeal. Some issues may involve the application of other legislation or case law - such as whether a divorce might be recognised as valid or whether the conditions of an employment are as an employee or self-employed person.
Case law used consists of Irish Courts judgements and of decisions by other courts acknowledged in Irish courts judgements.
Some appeals may involve issues which had not hitherto arisen and the decisions of Appeals Officers in those cases may provide guidance were the same issues to arise again, subject, of course, to the merits of individual cases.
The (published) annual report of the Chief Appeals Officer to the Minister contains summaries of cases determined by Appeals Officers, which the Chief Appeals Officer considers would be helpful in construing particular aspects of legislation or in making findings of facts based on particular circumstances.
The manual prepared by the Department of Social Protection under section 16 of the Freedom of Information Act, 1997, as well as outlining the conditions specified in statute governing entitlement to benefits, also contains details and guidelines of how discretionary provisions are applied, including interpretations arising from earlier decisions of Appeals Officers which might have general application to similar type cases arising thereafter.
A decision of an Appeals Officer may be revised by an Appeals Officer in the light of new facts or new evidence brought to attention or if there has been a relevant change of circumstances since the decision was given (Section 317).
A decision of an Appeals Officer may also be revised by the Chief Appeals Officer if it appears to him that the decision was erroneous by reason of a mistake as to the facts or the law (Section 318).
In either case, the person concerned should submit a written statement of the grounds on which a review of the decision is sought. In all procedures, principles of natural justice are fully adhered to and, if such a review would have a material interest for some other person concerned, such other person would have to be afforded an opportunity to comment.
The decision of an Appeals Officer is in general final and conclusive (Section 320), subject to appeal to the High Court on a point of law or review as described above.
It is also open to any appellant to seek a judicial review of a decision in the Courts if s/he feels that a decision is deficient for want of fairness of procedure. The courts, however, will not generally disturb a decision unless it is "plainly and unambiguously flying in the face of fundamental reason and common sense", the criterion laid down by the Supreme Court in The State (Keegan) v. Stardust Compensation Tribunal 1986 l.R. 642 as the test by which the reasonableness of decisions of tribunals are judged.
In 1995 in the context of consideration of a decision of an Appeals Officer which was the subject of an appeal to the High Court, that Court, in upholding the decision of the Appeals Officer, stated -
"The decision reached depends on the importance which the Appeals Officer attached to some facts. This was a balancing operation which is essentially a matter of degree and his conclusions should not be disturbed unless they are such that no reasonable person could draw them. In my opinion the Appellants have not shown that the conclusions drawn by the Appeals Officer are ones which no reasonable person could draw and neither have they shown that they were based on a mistaken view of the law."
In an appeal against that judgement, the Supreme Court (Hamilton, CJ) in upholding the decision stated that
"..it would be desirable to take this opportunity of expressing the view that the Courts should be slow to interfere with the decisions of expert administrative tribunals. Where conclusions are based on an identifiable error of law or an unsustainable finding of fact by a tribunal such conclusions must be corrected. Otherwise it should be recognised that tribunals which have been given statutory tasks to perform and exercise their functions, as is now usually the case with a high degree of expertise and provide coherent and balanced judgements on the evidence and arguments heard by them it should not be necessary for the courts to review their decisions by way of appeal or judicial review."
[Henry Denny & Sons (Ireland) Limited T/A Kerry Foods v. Minister for Social Welfare
(1998 1 l.R. 34]
The Department of Social Protection currently makes information routinely available to the public in relation to its functions, activities and schemes.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office, which is an independent office of the Department and is a separate public body for the purposes of the Act, similarly makes information available on its functions and activities in its annual report and leaflets. Such information will continue to be available informally without the need to use the FOI Act.
The FOI Act is designed to allow public access to information held by public bodies which is NOT routinely available through other sources. Access to information under the Act is subject to certain exemptions and involves specific procedures and time limits. This Part of the guide explains how you can obtain information from the Appeals Office under the Act.
The following classes of records are held in the Social Welfare Appeals Office.
Records in this category involve the day to day management of the Office. Information held in this area can include subjects such as organisation of training courses, allocation of leave, provision of accommodation for staff, provision of other resources such as office machinery and supplies, circulation of information documents, publication of annual report, etc.
Records in this category involve the day to day administration of the appeals system. Information held in this area can include such subjects as the setting up of panels of assessors, procedures on the submission of documentary evidence, statistical material on appeals etc.
The records include Acts and Regulations, relevant Court judgements, legal advice on specific issues, etc.
This includes information held on the formulation of policy or legislation. Information held would include briefing material and correspondence on proposed legislative changes.
Records in this category include a computerised tracking system containing limited personal information for monitoring appeals, correspondence relating to appeals and reviews of appeals, copies of decisions, etc. Most of the personal information relating to the appeal will be on the file held by the Department of Social Protection.
Under the FOI Act, anyone is entitled to apply for access to information not otherwise publicly available. Each person has a right to:
The following records come within the scope of the Act:
Applications for information under the FOI Act should be addressed to:
Freedom of Information Officer
Social Welfare Appeals Office
D'Olier House
D'Olier Street
Dublin 2
Phone: 01-6732800
LoCall 1890 74 74 34
Fax: 01-6711491
E-mail: swappeals@welfare.ie
Applications should be in writing and should indicate that the information is sought under the Freedom of Information Act. Please give as much detail as possible to enable the staff of the Office to identify the record. If you have difficulty in identifying the precise records which you require, the staff of the Office will be happy to assist you in preparing your request.
The Office is obliged to respond to the request within 4 weeks.
There are basically two types of charges that apply under the FOI Act:
Such fees only apply to requests for access to non-personal records. A fee of €15 must accompany a request for records other than records containing only personal information relating to oneself. A reduced fee of €10 applies in relation to such a request if you are covered by a medical card. Neither fee applies if the request is for personal information relating to oneself only.
In the case of requests for non-personal records, there are also fees applicable in relation to internal review and appeals to the Information Commissioner. Further details included at 6.5.1 and 6.5.2 below.
No fee will be charged in respect of personal records, either for the search and retrieval of records or for photocopying, except where a large number of records is involved.
In respect of other (non-personal) information, fees may be charged in respect of the time spent in locating and copying records, based on a standard hourly rate (€20.95 per hour). No charges may apply in respect of the time spent by the Department in considering requests.
A deposit may be payable where the total fee for search and retrieval is likely to exceed €50.79.
In these circumstances, the Department will notify you and if requested, assist you in amending the request so as to reduce or eliminate the amount of the fee.
The Act sets out a series of exemptions to protect sensitive information where its disclosure may damage key interests of the State or of third parties. Where a Department/Office invokes these provisions to withhold information, the decision may be appealed. Decisions in relation to deferral of access, charges, forms of access, etc. may also be the subject of appeal.
Details of the appeals mechanisms are set out in the following paragraphs.
You may seek internal review of the initial decision on your request for information under the Act which will be carried out by an official at a higher level if
Requests for internal review should be submitted in writing to:
Ms. Mairéad Gaffney
Social Welfare Appeals Office
D'Olier House
D'Olier Street
Dublin 2
Phone: 01-6732800
LoCall 1890 74 74 34
Fax: 01 6711491
E-mail: swappeals@welfare.ie
Such a request for internal review must be submitted within 4 weeks of the initial decision. The Office must complete the review within 3 weeks. Internal review must normally be completed before an appeal may be made to the Information Commissioner.
There is no upfront fee for a request for a review in relation to personal records. However, a fee of €75 must accompany most applications for internal review of a decision in relation to non-personal records. A reduced fee of €25 applies if you are covered by a medical card. There is no fee payable for cases where a review is sought due to the non-reply of the initial request.
Following completion of internal review, you may seek an independent review of the decision from the Information Commissioner. Also, if you have not received a reply to your application for internal review within 3 weeks, this is deemed to be a refusal and you may appeal the matter to the Commissioner.
Appeals in writing may be made directly to the Information Commissioner at the following address:
Office of the Information Commissioner
18 Lower Leeson Street
Dublin 2.
Phone: 01-6395689 LoCall 1890 22 30 30
Fax: 01-6395674
Website: www.oic.gov.ie
There is no upfront fee for a request for an appeal in relation to personal records. However, a fee of €150 must accompany most applications for review by the Information Commissioner in relation to non-personal records. A reduced fee of €50 applies if you are covered by a medical card. There is no fee payable for cases where an appeal is being sought due to the non-reply of the internal review request .
Used to denote a tribunal which is outside the hierarchy of the courts and exercises a jurisdiction which is conferred by statute. Article 37 of the Constitution of Ireland enables the enactment of legislation to provide for the exercise of limited functions and powers of a judicial nature, in matters other than criminal matters, to a person or body not a judge or court appointed or established under the Constitution.
A request by a person to have a decision of a Deciding Officer / Designated Person considered afresh and determined by an Appeals Officer.
An Appeals Officer is an Officer in the Social Welfare Appeals Office who is appointed under legislation by the Minister to determine appeals.
A Deciding Officer / Designated Person is an officer in the Department who is authorised by law to make decisions on entitlement to benefit and insurability of employment.
The documents, including all correspondence and reports, which are relevant to the question under appeal.
To be entitled to benefit a person must fulfil such conditions as are set out in the legislation governing the particular scheme.
The question here considers the nature of the employment and the appropriate (PRSI) contribution class payable.
A hearing of an appeal before an Appeals Officer at which the appellant may present his/her case in person and question any witnesses whose evidence may be relevant to the matter to be decided.
This is the subject matter of the appeal which the appellant is contesting, typically whether or not a person is entitled to a social welfare payment.
Relates to conditions, powers or procedures which are provided for in legislation.
A summary decision is a decision made by an Appeals Officer on the basis of documentary evidence available without the need for an oral hearing.
Insurability of employment (including self-employment)
Employment in insurable employment
Rate of employment contribution payable
Entitlement to become a voluntary contributor
Jobseeker's Benefit
Jobseeker's Allowance
Child Benefit
Family Income Supplement
Farm/ Fish Assist
Maternity Benefit
Health and Safety Benefit
Adoptive Benefit
Carer's Allowance
Carer's Benefit
Domicillary Care Allowance
One-Parent Family Payment (including Deserted Wife's
Allowance and Prisoner's Wife's Allowance)
Deserted Wife's Benefit
Widow's/Widower's contributory pension
Guardian's Payment (Contributory)
Guardian's Payment (Non-Contributory)
Illness Benefit
Invalidity Pension
Blind Person's Pension
Disability Allowance
Injury Benefit
Disablement Benefit
Incapacity Supplement
Constant Attendance Allowance
Death Benefit (Pensions for widows, widowers, orphans, parents and funeral expenses)
State Pension (Contributory)
State Pension (Non-Contributory)
State Pension (Transition)
Pre-Retirement Allowance
Treatment Benefit
Bereavement Grant
Rent Allowance (Private Rented Dwellings Act)
Living Alone Allowance
Homemakers
Continued Payment for Qualified Children
Continued payment after death in the family
Widowed Parent Grant
Contribution by Liable Relative
Delay in payment - loss of purchasing power
Backdating of payments
Habitual Residence
Supplementary Welfare Allowance
Entitlement to basic allowance
Supplement, including Rent and Mortgage
Area Based incentives
Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance
Back-to-Work Schemes
Bottled/Natural Gas Allowances
Butter Vouchers
Community Development Programme
Credits (Award of)
Free Electricity Allowance
Free Telephone Rental Allowance
Free Travel Scheme
Free TV Licence Allowance
Fuel Allowance
Job Facilitation Programme
Household budgeting
Occupational Injuries Benefit Medical Care
Overpayment (recovery under Code of Practice)
Part-time Job Incentive
PRSI exemption
School Meals
Second Level Allowance
Signing arrangements to prove unemployment
Smokeless Fuel Allowance
Student Summer Jobs
Supplementary Welfare Allowance Exceptional Needs Payments
Third Level Allowance
Voluntary/Community Welfare Services
VTOS (Department of Education and Science)
Social Welfare Appeals Office Organisation Chart.
To view an Organisation Chart of the Social Welfare Appeals Office click ' HERE'
Director and Chief Appeals Officer: Geraldine Gleeson
Deputy Chief Appeals Officer: Dan Kavanagh
Secretariat:
Higher Excutive Officers: VACANCY, Bernadette Carty, VACANCY
Appeals Officers: PJ Bennett, Seamas Bradley, Declan Breen, Niall Cahill, John Carey, Donal Conlon, John Considine,
John Deegan, Tony Fennessy, Marion Foley, Mairéad Gaffney, Seán Gaughan, Bridget Goulding, Jennifer Graham,
Daniel Harty, Helen Hayes, Maggie Jardine, Seamus Keena, John Kelly, Ken Kelly, Marie Kennedy, Tina Kennedy,
Michael Lennon, Siobhán Logan, Tom McArdle, Colm McDermott, Noel McGuinness, Brendan McKeever, Michael Mee,
Anne Moloney, Nick Nolan, Denis O'Brien, Michael O'Brien, Brendan O'Leary, John Patton, Ger Power, John Regan,
Michael Smith, James Squires
End of Document
