Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 400: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for carer's allowance. [25304/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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A social welfare appeals officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned as the care recipient was no longer deemed in need of full time care and attention as laid down in legislation. She was notified accordingly on 16 May 2012.

The decision of an appeals officer is final and may only be reviewed in the light of new evidence or new facts not already presented at the time of the appeal.

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 401: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for invalidity pension. [25305/12]

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 28 January 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. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case 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.