Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 399: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the outcome of an appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [16854/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The person's claim for disability allowance was refused by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the view that he was not medically qualified for this payment. The person appealed this decision and was examined by another Medical Assessor 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. The person is currently in receipt of Supplementary 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.