Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in relation to an application for jobseeker's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20985/12]

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 10 March 2012. 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. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration as to whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to hold an 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.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an illness benefit appeal will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21004/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Payment of illness benefit to the person concerned was discontinued following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal has been opened and person concerned is being afforded an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of her appeal. For this purpose, a form SWAO1 was issued to her on 28 March 2012. On return the case will be assigned to an Appeals Officer for consideration as to whether to decide the case by summary decision or to hold an 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.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21028/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the disability allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a Medical Assessor who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 28th February 2012 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the matter 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.