Vol. 553 No. 4
142 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs when a decision will be made in regard to the disability benefit appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14138/02]
Payment of disability benefit was disallowed by a deciding officer following an examination by a medical assessor of my Department who considered that she was capable of work.
An oral hearing of her appeal against this decision to the social welfare appeals office was held on 17 April. Arising from the evidence presented the appeals officer has requested that a specialist medical examination be undertaken. The person concerned was advised to this effect and arrangements are being made by my Department to have this examination carried out. When the examination is completed the appeal will be returned to the appeals officer for prompt attention.
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.
