Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 107: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on an illness benefit appeal will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25981/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 27th July 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. In that regard a further medical examination was carried out as well as review of the most recent further medical evidence submitted by the person. The papers have now been 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.