Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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138. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38915/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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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 12thOctober 2016.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 have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office 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.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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139. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a social protection appeal that was submitted to the appeals office in June 2016; if he will ensure that a decision is made on this appeal without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38926/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to convene an oral hearing in this case.

Every effort will be made to hear the case as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing have been made.

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.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.