36. Deputy Dinny McGinley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to set out the position regarding an appeal for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; when a decision will be made on same. [40706/14]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to convene an oral hearing in this case.

Every effort will be made to hear the case as quickly as possible and the appellant will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing have been made.

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.