The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 January 2012. The case was referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration and the Appeals Officer has referred this case back to the Department of Social Protection for clarification on certain issues. On receipt of their response, the case will be further considered by the Appeals Officer. 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.