The claim for disability allowance, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an assessment by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal has been opened and 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, a medical examination by another Medical Assessor has been arranged for 09th February 2012. 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.