James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 377: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason an appeal in relation to jobseeker's allowance on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Longford, is being delayed to the detriment of the applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22973/10]

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 informed when 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 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 378: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford has been refused illness benefit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22974/10]

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 on 06 May 2010 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed.

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.