Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 279: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a jobseeker's allowance appeal will be finalised in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32079/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been received and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, an Appeals Officer, having considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at an oral hearing, disallowed the illness benefit appeal of the person concerned.

However, following the submission of additional information the Appeals Officer agreed to review the case and contacted the person concerned requesting her to forward the results of recent medical examinations. When received, the medical evidence was forwarded to the Chief Medical Assessor for his opinion and the case has now been referred back to an Appeals Officer for further consideration. The Chief Appeals Officer will write to the Deputy when the appeal has been determined. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.