Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 September 2020
142. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a further appeal for a carer’s allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24609/20]
View answerI am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision.
Under social welfare legislation the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by an Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts. I am advised that the person concerned subsequently submitted additional evidence and that the Appeals Officer agreed to review the appeal decision on foot of this additional evidence. However, the Appeals Officer did not find any new facts or fresh evidence which warranted a revision of the earlier decision. The person concerned has been notified of the outcome of the 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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
