Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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293. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will expedite a decision regarding an application for disability allowance by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49461/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In May 2022, my Department conducted a medical review of the customer concerned in relation to their continued entitlement to Disability Allowance (DA).

Based on the evidence submitted by the customer, she was found to be not substantially restricted in seeking suitable employment, by reason of a specified disability, which is expected to last for a period of at least one year. As a result of this determination, her entitlement to DA was terminated on 17 October 2023. She subsequently appealed this decision, and a review was undertaken.

Further medical evidence was submitted by the customer on 23 October 2023. This is currently with the Department’s Medical Assessors for their opinion. Based on the opinion of the MA, a Deciding Officer will determine whether the claim will be reinstated, or the case will be referred to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for an appeal on the decision.

Once this review is completed, the person concerned will be notified of the outcome in writing.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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294. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an appeal for carers allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49477/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered on the 21st July 2023. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought.

These papers were received on 1st August 2023 and the case was assigned to an Appeals Officer on 9th August 2023, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral appeal hearing.

The Appeals Officer was contacted regarding this case, and has confirmed that a decision will be issued shortly.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.