56. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal for a carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and when a decision will be made. [44298/15]

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 hold an oral hearing in this case on 10 December 2015. The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements for the 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.