Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 November 2013
426. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Social Protection when the appeals office will respond to correspondence sent in August by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45724/13]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence including that adduced at the oral hearing, decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of additional evidence or new facts.
I am advised that the person concerned has submitted additional evidence and that the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The Appeals Officer reviewed the additional evidence submitted and has upheld his original decision. The person concerned was notified in writing of the outcome of this review on 30th October 2013.
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.
