Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32770/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17th August 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 21st October 2011 and the appeal will be assigned, in due course, 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.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9. [32778/11]

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 217: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the assistance available to a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 [32779/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 216 and 217 together.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10 May 2011. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 7 September 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 26 October 2011 who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for oral hearing. It is open to the person concerned to apply to the Community Welfare Officer for financial assistance while his appeal is pending.

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.