241. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 will have their appeal for invalidity pension heard; if an oral hearing will be granted; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11724/14]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 28 February 2014. 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. When these papers have been received from the Department, the appeal in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will consider whether the appeal can be determined by means of a summary decision based on the documentary evidence presented or, whether an oral hearing is required. The Appeals Officer will be advised that the person concerned has requested 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.