Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 273: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing appeal on an application for domiciliary care allowance will be held in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35275/10]

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. 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.

Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a user friendly system can be set up for persons calling the social welfare appeals office (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35282/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that as part of one of a number of new initiatives brought in recently to improve the service offered to its customers, a new Phonebank system was installed in the Office from 23 August 2010. Staff training has been provided and the new service is being monitored. Any improvements required will be implemented as feasible.