Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 119: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an illness benefit appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 will be expedited; the reason for the delay in their file being forwarded by her Department to the appeals office; if an urgent oral hearing will be granted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31137/12]

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

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was assessed by a Medical Assessor of the Department of Social Protection who was of the opinion that she was capable of work. She appealed this decision and in that context the appeal was assessed by another Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work. In the light of this, it was decided to afford the person concerned an opportunity of setting out the complete and up to date grounds of her appeal and to furnish any further medical evidence that she wished to submit in support of her appeal. She did this and, at this stage, the Department of Social Protection have been requested to submit relevant documents to this office on her case. On receipt of their response her appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. 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.

Question No. 120 answered with Question No. 103.