Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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248. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be reached in the case of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47423/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned took place on 9 March 2017. Shortly after the oral hearing the Appeals Officer dealing with this case became ill and was absent on long term sick leave. The case was referred to another Appeals Officer who decided in the interest of fairness to convene a further oral hearing which took place on 2 August 2017.

However, due to the complex nature of this case the Appeals Officer is still considering the appeal in the light of all of the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the oral hearing. The Appeals Officer hopes to be in a position to make a decision within the next two weeks and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and 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.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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249. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an oral hearing can be facilitated to determine an appeal in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47428/17]

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 referred to an Appeals Officer on 1 November 2017, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and 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.