Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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136. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reasons for the delay in processing the appeal of a decision on carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; when a decision can be expected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42700/13]

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 7^th May 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on the 3^rd September 2013 and the case was referred to an Appeals Officer on the 3^rd October 2013 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Independent)
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137. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite an application for carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42767/13]

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 14^th May 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 03^rd September 2013 and the case 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.