Vol. 560 No. 3
455 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the required procedures in a case will be expedited and a date fixed for an oral hearing with regard to an invalidity pension appeal submitted on 27 November 2002 by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2431/03]
The person concerned applied for invalidity pension on 25 June 2002. His claim was refused by a deciding officer following an examination by a medical assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was not medically qualified for this payment.
The person appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and in the context of his appeal he was examined by another medical assessor who was also of the opinion that he was not medically qualified for payment of invalidity pension. The case was referred to an appeals officer who considers an oral hearing to be appropriate. This will be arranged as soon as possible.
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.
