James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 262: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18683/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Payment of invalidity pension, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal, his case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in the light of this second medical opinion, that office decided to afford him an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of his appeal. On receipt of his response the relevant departmental papers will be requested from the Department and the appeal will then be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18684/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, following receipt of the grounds of appeal from the person concerned, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 264: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will confirm receipt of an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [18704/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that Office. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister of Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.