I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the jobseeker's allowance appeal, of the person concerned, took place on 15 July 2011 and the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the hearing. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer decision when the appeal has been determined. With regard to the child benefit claim of the person concerned, the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal by way of summary decision. The Appeals Officers decision issued 12 August 2010 and no subsequent child benefit appeal has been received by that office. 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.