Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 June 2014
80. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Social Protection the circumstances for denial of social welfare in respect of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26401/14]
View answerThe application from the person concerned for disability allowance, based upon the evidence submitted, was refused on habitual residency grounds and the claimant was notified in writing of this decision on 30 April 2013. The person subsequently appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). An oral appeal hearing was scheduled in this case and I am informed by the SWAO that the person did not attend the hearing. Based on the available evidence, the appeals officer found that the person concerned had failed to show that his main centre of interest was in this State and disallowed the appeal. The person concerned was notified by the Social Welfare Appeals Office of this decision in writing on 20 May 2014. An appeal’s officer's decision is final and conclusive in the absence of fresh facts or evidence not already taken into consideration.
