Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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Question 293: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will investigate the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny in respect of an appeal for payment of arrears entitlement with regard to a State pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2471/12]

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 1 September 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 25 October 2011 and the appeal was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 21 November 2011 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.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 294: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork in respect of their application for rent allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2482/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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1I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the available evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer decision.

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.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 295: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a decision on their disability allowance appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2488/12]

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 5 October 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 14 December 2012 and the appeal will, in due course, be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration. As part of this consideration that Appeals Office will decide if an Oral Hearing is warranted in this case.

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.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 296: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a decision on their appeal in respect of their application for invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2489/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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1I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the available evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer decision on 13 January 2012.

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.