Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2011
255 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Social Protection the grounds on which a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan had illness benefit cancelled; when the person will be medically reassessed for entitlement; if she will expedite an appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19742/11]
View answerPayment of illness benefit, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an examination by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was capable of work. An appeal was registered on 23 June 2011 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with statutory requirements, the Department was asked for the documentation in the case and the Deciding Officer's comments on the grounds of the appeal. In that context, an examination by another Medical Assessor will be carried out. The person concerned will be notified when arrangements for the examination have been completed. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
256 Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a farm assist application, received by her Department on 16 December 2009, will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19743/11]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of this case took place on 16 February 2011. Following the hearing the Appeals Officer referred the case to a Social Welfare Inspector for clarification of certain issues. When the case is referred back to the Appeals Officer, he will consider the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the oral hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
