Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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242. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for invalidity pension in the case a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44407/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, 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 5 September 2017 and form SWAO1 requesting grounds of appeal was issued. The grounds of appeal were returned and in accordance with the statutory requirements of the appeals process the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal have been sought. When these papers are received from the Department, the case in question 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 appeal 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.