James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position regarding an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford who applied for same over three years ago and for which they have submitted all necessary documentation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4124/10]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that a claim for Disability Allowance by the person concerned was disallowed by the Deciding Officer on the grounds that means were not disclosed. The person concerned appealed the decision and an oral hearing of this case took place on 26 March 2009. In the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the oral hearing, the Appeals Officer returned the case to the Social Welfare Inspector for further investigation regarding means.

I am also advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the Social Welfare Inspector currently dealing with the case is trying to establish financial details going back several years. 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.