John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 356: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding payments in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if an oral hearing will be granted. [29280/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeals by the persons concerned were registered in that office on 1st November 2011 and 15th February 2012 respectively. 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 1st June 2012 and 11th June 2012 respectively and both cases will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeals 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.