Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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2. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when an oral hearing will be scheduled to progress an appeal for illness benefit by a person (details supplied). [8577/16]

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 she was capable of work. An appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal her case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that she was capable of work.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that, following receipt of the rounds of appeal from the person concerned, the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Department were sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 19 April 2016 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.