Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 1314: To ask the Minister for Social Protection further to parliamentary Question, reference No. 26315/10 of 22 June 2010, if he will provide an update regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11. [33256/10]

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 was 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 was an increase of a further 44% in the number of appeals received in the first eight months of 2010. These increases have caused delays in the processing of appeals. In order to be fair to all appellants, oral hearings are arranged in strict chronological order.

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.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 1317: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited. [33371/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that the person concerned was refused rent supplement as he had vacated rental accommodation scheme accommodation provided by the local authority and he was deemed as not having a housing need by the local authority. The HSE has further advised that the person concerned appealed the decision to the HSE Appeals Office but that the decision was upheld. If the person concerned is not satisfied with the decision of the HSE Appeals Office he may appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

Question No. 1318 answered with Question No. 1291.