Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 273: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an illness benefit appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be finalised. [43361/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Payment of disability benefit (now known as illness benefit) to the person concerned was discontinued from 28 August 2006 following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department on 15 August 2006 who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. The person appealed this decision and in that context he was examined by another Medical Assessor on 5 October 2006 who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. In accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant departmental papers and the comments of the Deciding Officer were also sought.

The papers have now been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case as soon as possible. The person is currently in receipt of jobseeker's allowance pending the resolution of his appeal.

Under Social Welfare Legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by Deciding Officers and Appeals Officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard to making such decisions.