Barry Cowen
Question:377. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on an appeal for invalidity pension. [51168/12]
View answerTuesday, 20 November 2012
Questions (377)
Written answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an Appeals Officer, following careful examination of the documentary evidence in the case disallowed the appeal of the person concerned on a summary basis, who was informed of this decision by letter dated 24 April 2012.
Social Welfare legislation provides that, in general, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive but may be revised in the light of new facts or evidence.
Following representations in the case, including the provision of some new evidence, the Appeals Officer, on 17/10/12, agreed that the case be re-opened by way of oral hearing. When this hearing is scheduled the person will be notified of the arrangements.
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.