Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 364: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21613/12]

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 April 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.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 365: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a review of a rate of disability allowance will be completed in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21603/12]

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 20th 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 and will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, 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.