Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 454: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an illness benefit appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when they can expect to receive a decision. [37233/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed. The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an office of the Department that is independently responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 455: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will arrange a means review for a person (details supplied) in County Mayo for jobseeker's allowance. [37236/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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A Social Welfare Inspector completed a means review in respect of the person concerned on 28 September, 2009, and a Deciding Officer has issued a revised means decision. However, as he is dissatisfied with the revised decision his appeal has been forwarded to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office for determination. 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.