Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 372: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the refusal of further assistance to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 16. [22840/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Due to staff action currently being taken in the HSE, I regret that I am unable to provide the information sought by the Deputy.

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 373: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when an application for child benefit will be processed in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; the reason for the delay in processing this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22904/10]

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.

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 Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 374: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the amount of money leaving the country each week in jobseeker's allowance; the number of applicants involved and in which countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22932/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Jobseeker's allowance is only payable in this state. It is not possible to export it to another country.