Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 June 2012
114 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a decision on their appeal in respect of an application for disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28553/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 21 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. When received, the appeal in question will be referred in 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.
115 Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied ) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28555/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra117 Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; when a decision will be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28563/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 115 and 117 together.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the disability allowance claim of the person concerned was disallowed following an assessment by a medical assessor who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for the allowance. An appeal was registered on 22 May 2012 and in accordance with the statutory procedures the relevant department papers and the comments of the deciding officer on the matter raised in the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another medical assessor will be carried out. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social and Family Affairs and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.
