Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 December 2011
167 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection when a medical examination will be carried out in respect of an appeal for illness benefit in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; if she will arrange for expeditious review of this case; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38455/11]
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 she was capable of work. An appeal was registered on 3rd November 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.
