Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the decision to refuse illness benefit on appeal in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45769/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.

In light of additional evidence submitted the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his appeal has been finalised. 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.