John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 335: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow, if she will expedite a positive decision given the urgency of the case. [28106/12]

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 22nd November 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 have been received and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.