Mary Lou McDonald
Question:43. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 can expect a decision on their claim for illness benefit. [3088/15]
View answerThursday, 22 January 2015
Questions (43)
Written answers
Payment 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 opened and in the context of that appeal the person concerned was examined by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that he was capable of work.
I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that following receipt of the grounds of appeal from the person concerned the relevant Departmental papers and comments of the Deciding Officer were requested. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 12 January 2015 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
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.