Paul Connaughton (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal regarding disability allowance will be heard in respect of (details supplied) in County Galway in view of the fact that the appeal was lodged more than thirteen months ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3814/13]

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 14th December 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 were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 22nd January 2013 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal 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.