Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1173: 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; and when an oral hearing will be scheduled in this case. [1983/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Payment of disability 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 the person 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. The papers have been referred to the Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be informed of the date and venue for this hearing when it is arranged. The person is currently in receipt of job seekers 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.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1174: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason invalidity pension for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was not put into payment before Christmas 2006 in view of the fact that their appeal was determined on 24 November 2006 giving his Department ample opportunity to do this; the date their invalidity pension payment commenced; the arrears due in this case; and when did they ultimately issue. [1984/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The Appeals Officer's decision was notified on 14 December 2006 and the person concerned was awarded an invalidity pension effective from 30 June 2005. Due to the range of particular administrative arrangements which apply in the run up to the Christmas holiday period, it was not possible to commence payment of the invalidity pension until 11 January 2007. Arrears totalling €14,951.75 will issue to the person concerned on 1 February 2007.