Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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289. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a determination will be made on an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork for invalidity pension following a recent oral hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53684/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me the Invalidity Pension appeal of the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to convene an oral hearing in January 2014. The appellant will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing have been made.

The Deputy makes reference in his question to an oral hearing having been attended recently by the person concerned. I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that the person concerned attended an In Person Medical Assessment on the 28^th November 2013 in connection with her current Illness Benefit claim. This Medical Assessment has no bearing on her current Invalidity Pension appeal.

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.