Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection of the 1628 appeals on medical grounds submitted for carer's allowance in 2011, the number awaiting a decision on 1 January 2012; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42009/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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A total of 2,359 appeals in relation to carers allowance/benefit were received by the Social Welfare Appeals Office in 2011, which were added to the 2,218 on hands on the 1st January of that year. A total of 3,369 were finalised during the year leaving a total of 1,208 awaiting a decision on 1st January 2012. I am advised that the reasons for an appeal, including medical, are not recorded at the time of registration of an appeal and the above figures relate to all carers’ appeals.

The processing time for carers’ appeals includes time spent in the Department for comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal put forward by the appellant, and any further investigation, examination or assessment by the Department’s Inspectors and Medical Assessors that is deemed necessary.