Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 402: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason an oral hearing to finalise a disability allowance appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was cancelled; when it will be rescheduled in order that this matter can be brought to a conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16908/07]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned applied for disability allowance which is a means tested scheme. The Deciding Officer disallowed the claim on the grounds that the person's means exceeded the means limits for that scheme. He appealed against this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The Appeals Officer proposed to hold an oral hearing on 6 June 2007. This hearing was cancelled due to the unavailability of a witness who was requested to attend by the Appeals Officer. The case will be rescheduled as quickly as possible.

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.