350 Deputy Brendan Kenneally asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will issue on an appeal for carer’s allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3643/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 9th September 2010. 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 on 12th January 2011 and the appeal will be referred to an Appeals Officer in due course, who will decide whether the case can be decided on a summary basis or whether to list it for 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.

351 Deputy Willie O’Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be advised of the status of their appeal for carer’s allowance. [3648/11]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was received in that office on 06 December 2010. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Social Welfare Services on the grounds of appeal be sought. When received, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer for consideration. 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.