Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 February 2014
103. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection regarding a review of an appeal in respect of an application for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who will remain under medical care for at least another year, having been so for the past 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6098/14]
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. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision on 21 October 2013. Under 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. The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that no new evidence or new facts from or on behalf of the person concerned have been received by that office to date. 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.
