Michael Healy-Rae
Question:256. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection to set out the status of an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23333/16]
View answerWednesday, 20 July 2016
Questions (256)
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 she was capable of work.
An appeal was registered on 4 July 2016 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.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.