Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 173: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal of illness benefit claim in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [21549/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Payment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal, his case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.

I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, in the light of this second medical opinion, that office decided to afford him an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of his appeal. On receipt of his response the relevant departmental papers will be requested from the Department and the appeal will then be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration.

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

Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21563/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, following receipt of the grounds of appeal from the person concerned, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department have been sought. On receipt of its response the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing.

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.

Question No. 175 withdrawn.

Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will make a statement on the case of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [21587/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I am informed by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the person concerned was afforded the opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of her appeal including any further medical evidence in support of her appeal, by letter dated 23 March 2011. The current position is that the Appeals Office is still awaiting a response from her.

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.