Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 515: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for jobseeker's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17891/12]

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 23rd 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.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 516: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for a carer's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17892/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who proposes to hold an oral hearing in this case.

There has been a very significant increase in the number of appeals received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office since 2007 when the intake was 14,070 to 2010 and 2011 when the intake rose to 32,432 and 31,241 respectively. This has significantly impacted on the processing time for appeals which require oral hearings and, in order to be fair to all appellants, they are dealt with in strict chronological order.

While every effort is being made to deal with the large numbers awaiting oral hearing as quickly as possible, it is not possible to give a date when the person's oral hearing will be heard, but s/he will be informed when arrangements have been made.

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.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 517: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17894/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence allowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer decision on 03rd April 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.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 518: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for jobseeker's benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17895/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I 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 was afforded an opportunity at oral hearing to submit documentary evidence in support of his contentions made at the hearing. However, he did not avail of the opportunity and the Appeals Officer decided the case on the available evidence.

Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.

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.