500. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) will receive an answer from the Social Welfare Appeals Office, as this appeal is pending since June 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25555/24]

The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal by the person concerned was disallowed by an Appeals Officer on 9 April 2024.

An Appeals Officer is currently carrying out a review of this decision under Section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 following the submission of additional medical evidence. The Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.