Question about receiving letters and case law that relates to the timeframe to respond

Robert Nairac

I have received a letter that was delivered to me significantly later than the date written on the letter by several weeks. I need to respond to the letter within a certain timeframe.

I don't know if the letter was backdated, they forgot to post it or it was waiting in a pile with other letters to be sent together.

1. Is backdating letters to deny a person a reasonable timeframe with which to respond illegal?
2. What is the case law that relates to this topic? Basically, it states that the person has x many days to respond from the date of receipt rather than the date written on the letter or the date of postage.

I don't want to get into what the topic is about, but it's a very serious and important issue that necessitates a person needing time to respond and seek further consultations.

ShatterProof

What’s the date on the post mark.

Jim_Hodge

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120227569#Comment_120227569

There's rarely a date visible on post marks nowadays.

Robert Nairac

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120227579#Comment_120227579

You are right. There is no date to indicate that on it.

I have raised the issue so hopefully the people involved are reasonable. I think they are backdating letters, which is unethical, if not fraudulent.

Lenar3556

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058283810/question-about-receiving-letters-and-case-law-that-relates-to-the-timeframe-to-respond

Is there a statutory time limit approaching or other basis to the timeline that makes it so critical?

Robert Nairac

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120234547#Comment_120234547

The issue relates to dealing with a state body. They will not consider the issue after a certain number of days. I don't know if there is legislation that requires it to be within this time frame or what.

Claw Hammer

In some cases the date of posting is the key date, in others it is the date of receipt. Some automated letters are dated before they are printed. E.g Revenue demands are dated on a printimage file. The print image may not be printed for some time afterwards and may not be posted for some time after that again. If the government body refuses to deal with you, you will have to seek redress elsewhere eg the Ombudsman or Judicial Review.

Robert Nairac

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120239243#Comment_120239243

Thanks for the response. I really don't have the patience or the means to pursue redress if that were to occur. I just hope people are reasonable and understanding and it won't come to that.