Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2012
439 Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20434/12]
View answerPayment of disability allowance, to the person concerned, was refused by a Deciding Officer following an assessment by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for disability allowance.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal has been opened and in the context of that appeal, his case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable.
It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. As part of this consideration, the Appeals Officer will decide if an oral hearing is warranted in this case.
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.
