Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 280: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will issue on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Limerick. [16472/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, following receipt of the relevant Departmental papers including comments on the grounds of appeal, the appeal from the person concerned will be 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.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 281: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when an appeal on an invalidity pension decision will be heard in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16495/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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On 8th March 2010, the person concerned was refused Invalidity Pension on the grounds that he was not considered to be permanently incapable of work. He was notified of this decision, the reasons for the decision and of his right of review and appeal to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. To date no appeal has been received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office. 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

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason there has been a delay in the appeal process for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16502/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in the case. The person concerned will be notified when the necessary arrangements have been made.

There has been a 46% increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2009 when compared to 2008, which in itself was 27% greater than the numbers received in 2007. There has been an increase of a further 46% in the number of appeals received in the first quarter of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.