Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 June 2012
402 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when payment for disability allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27066/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned applied for disability allowance on 20 May 2011.
The medical evidence supplied with the person's application was referred to one of the department's medical assessors who was of the opinion, based on the information supplied, that she was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted this opinion and disallowed the claim and the person was notified in writing of this decision.
Further medical evidence was subsequently received and this was reviewed by the medical assessor who again was of the opinion, based on the information supplied, that the person was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted this opinion and the original decision to refuse the claim remained unchanged and the person was notified in writing of this outcome.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24 January 2012.
As part of the appeals process all the medical evidence received in the case has now been referred to another medical assessor for review. Following this review the deciding officer will decide if the original decision should stand or whether it should be revised. If the original decision stands, the appeal will be returned to the Appeals Officer for determination. If, following the review, the deciding officer decides that the person has an entitlement to disability allowance, the decision will be made and the person will be notified.
403 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when payment of carer’s allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27067/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 8th March 2012. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold 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.
