John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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576. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason an oral hearing has not been arranged in the case of a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that the Department wrote to the person on 21 September 2017 stating that one would be arranged; and if the person's file will be reviewed to determine if an invalidity pension can be granted without the oral hearing. [5411/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer's decision.

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.