Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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161. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23081/13]

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 13th March 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on 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.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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162. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their application for job seekers benefit ; the reason for the delay in making a decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23085/13]

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 27th March 2013. 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. When received, 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.

Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
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163. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for illness benefit in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23087/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Payment of illness benefit to the person concerned was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department, who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. An appeal was registered on 3rd April 2013 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed.

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.