James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 224: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford is being delayed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28774/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The person concerned has been in receipt of one-parent family payment since 10 September 2009. Illness benefit at half-rate was awarded with effect from 15 December 2009. She was found capable of work by one of the Department's Medical Assessors at a medical assessment on 13 April 2010. A letter issued to her on 19 April 2010 informing her that payment of illness benefit was being suspended with effect from 23 April 2010 and advising her of her right to appeal against this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. She submitted a final certificate from her doctor dated 28 April 2010. The person concerned then submitted another interim medical certificate from a different doctor dated for the same day and for the same medical incapacity. Subsequent interim medical certificates were submitted from the second doctor. A new claim was opened and payment was issued from 4 May 2010 to 26 May 2010 on the basis of the certificates received from the second doctor. When it came to light that payment had been suspended in respect of her initial claim, payment was then suspended in respect of the second claim on the basis that she had recently been found capable of work for the same medical condition. As she was found capable of work on 13 April 2010 she was not entitled to payment for medical certificates submitted subsequently. There is, accordingly, no delay in relation to payment to this person.

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 226: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28553/10]

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.