Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Question 250: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal in respect of a disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2201/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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1Payment 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 registered on 10th October 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 examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed.

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.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 251: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the date an appeal against refusal of rent allowance was lodged with the Health Service Executive; the date the appeal was lodged with the social welfare office (details supplied); and when an oral hearing will be heard in relation to the appeal. [2210/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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1The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 17 October 2011 and was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing on 24 January 2012. The person concerned was 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.