Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Appeals.

Michael Ring

Question:

177 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for an oral hearing in view of the fact that she submitted her disability benefit appeal in December 1999. [21178/00]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The person concerned was in receipt of disability benefit from 25 September 1995. Payment was disallowed by a deciding officer following an examination by a medical assessor who considered that she was capable of work.

The person concerned appealed this decision to the social welfare appeals office and, arising from this, she was examined by another medical assessor who was also of the opinion that she was capable of work. The appeals officer considered that an oral hearing of the appeal was necessary and this is being arranged for the week commencing 6 November 2000. The delay which occurred in making the necessary arrangements for the appeal hearing in this case is regretted. The person concerned is currently in receipt of unemployment benefit at the weekly rate of £34.80 and supplementary welfare allowance at the weekly rate of £41.20.

Under social welfare legislation decisions in relation to claims must be made by deciding officers and appeals officers. These officers are statutorily appointed and I have no role in regard

to making such decisions.

Question No. 178 taken with Question No. 169.

Question No. 179 taken with Question No. 169.