Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 June 2012
130 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an invalidity pension application refusal in respect of a person (details supplied) in Co. Limerick, the reason for refusal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31540/12]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. Unfortunately, the Appeals Officers decision that issued intimated that an oral hearing took place in this case. This was a typographical error for which the Appeals Officer wishes to apologise.
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.
