Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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326. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an appeal for disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39480/13]

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 25^th July 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. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 6^th September 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.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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327. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason for the delay in deciding on an appeal against the disallowance of disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) and when the appeal will be determined. [39490/13]

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 referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to hold an oral hearing on the matter on the 7^th of October 2013. The person concerned will be notified shortly of the arrangements for the 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.