Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
481. Deputy Frank Feighan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on a social welfare appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) lodged with the appeals office in D’Olier House in respect of an illness benefit claim which was refused in August 2013; and when a decision will be finalised. [12851/14]
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.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal was registered on 18 February 2014 and 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
