Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 November 2013
362. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the recent refusal of an appeal for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50380/13]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision on 1 November 2013. 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 by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that to date, the person concerned has not submitted additional evidence that would warrant a review of the Appeals Officer’s original decision. 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.
