The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that following an oral hearing of the appeal in question, the Appeals Officer, as agreed at the hearing, referred the case back to the Social Welfare Inspector for further investigations and clarification of the means of the person concerned. The case has been returned to the Appeals Officer who 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's decision when the appeal has been determined. 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.