Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 333: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue in relation to a social welfare appeal when the oral hearing element of the appeal is now over in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16811/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned took place on 14th March 2012 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined.

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 334: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16827/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the invalidity pension claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that she was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 28th January 2012 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the matters raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out.

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