The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 13 May 2013 who required further evidence from the Department in order to determine the appeal. This evidence was received from the Department on 6 September 2013 and the file has been referred back to the 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.