John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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623. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied) which is now under appeal will be expedited and approved; and if an oral hearing will be granted to assist an early outcome. [21440/19]

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 12th December 2018, who will, in the near future, 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 has also advised me that your request for an oral hearing, will be brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer dealing with this case. 

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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.