Notice of the making of this Statutory Instrument was published in

“Iris Oifigiúil” of 17th November, 2020.

I, Heather Humphreys, Minister for Social Protection, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by subsection (3) of section 31 of the Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 (No. 13 of 2020), and being satisfied it is appropriate to do so having regard to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) to (c) of that subsection as they relate to the body to which the following order applies, hereby order as follows:

1. This Order may be cited as the Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 (Section 31) (Appeals Officers) (Designation) Order 2020.

2. An appeals officer (within the meaning of section 2(1) of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (No. 26 of 2005)) is, for the purposes of section 31 of the Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 (No. 13 of 2020), designated and may hold hearings before him or her by remote hearing.

GIVEN under my Official Seal,

12 November, 2020.

HEATHER HUMPHREYS,

Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Instrument and does not purport to be a legal interpretation.)

Section 313 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 provides that Appeals Officers, in consideration of any matter referred to them (appeals of unsuccessful claims, etc.) may hold hearings.

Section 31 of the Civil and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020 provides that a body established by or under an enactment may be designated for the purposes of that section as a body which may hold hearings by remote hearing.

These Regulations provide that Appeals Officers may hold hearings remotely by electronic means.