Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 383: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick which proved unsuccessful, will be re-examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23190/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having considered all the available evidence, disallowed the appeal on the grounds that the person concerned does not provide full-time care and attention as defined in legislation.

Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. If there is any new evidence or new facts pertinent to this case that was not brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer during the determination of this appeal, they may be submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for further 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.

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 384: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will review the decision of the appeals officer where their local community welfare officer refused rent allowance under the current rules to the persons (details supplied) who are both on jobseeker's allowance and are unable to find work to pay their rents; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that these persons applied for the rent allowance as far back as January 2010, are privately renting and very shortly will be made homeless if rent allowance is not granted urgently. [23245/10]

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.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 385: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23257/10]

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