Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 January 2014
387. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made in respect of a disability allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon. [1489/14]
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 16th October 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 that the person concerned submitted additional evidence and that the Appeals Officer agreed to review the case. This review is now complete and the Appeals Officer upheld his original decision to disallow the appeal. The person concerned was notified in writing on 8th January 2014 of the outcome of his review.
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.
