Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 March 2014
242. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Social Protection if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 will be granted an oral hearing for their invalidity pension appeal; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11725/14]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer having fully considered all the available evidence disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. Under Social Welfare 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.
Following the submission of further evidence, the file has been requested to be returned to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. On receipt of this file, the Appeals Officer will review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised. Your request for an oral hearing will be communicated to the Appeals Officer. 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.
