55. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan has not received a reply regarding a request to review the decision reached by her Department to reduce a farm assist payment that was lodged in January 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19214/15]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to revise the means assessment in this case and, thereby, allowing the appeal of the person concerned.

Following the successful appeal, the person concerned submitted additional correspondence seeking a review of the revised means assessment. Appeals Officer has agreed to review his decision and the person concerned will be contacted when the review of his appeal has been finalised.

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.