Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 254: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an appeal for State pension non- contributory will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25817/11]

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 261: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an application for State pension (non- contributory) will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [25887/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 254 and 261 together.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the appeal from the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing on 28th September 2011. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements.

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.