John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 81: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for invalidity pension will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27587/12]

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 5th March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question 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.