James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 303: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Dublin who was receiving disability allowance for 20 years has had their entitlement to this payment cancelled; when the appeal will be concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21491/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Payment of illness benefit, 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 she was capable of work. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal her case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. 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 for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.