I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that in making his decision the Appeals Officer considered all of the medical evidence in the case, from both the GP of the person concerned and the Medical Assessor. This evidence indicated that the degree to which his condition affected his abilities was normal to mild. There were no categories where either the GP or the Medical Assessor considered his capabilities were affected to a moderate, severe or profound degree.
Legislation provides that summary decisions may be made where the Appeals Officer is of the opinion that a case is of such a nature that it can be properly determined on the basis of documentary evidence and without 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 on social welfare entitlements.