Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19554/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Payment of invalidity pension to the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an assessment by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. An appeal was registered on 14 June 2011 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 assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. 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.