Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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233. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal against a decision to refuse disability allowance or an invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39344/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an Invalidity Pension appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 7 March 2018. 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 were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 20 September 2018 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 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.