Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 September 2020
152. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on a review of a decision on a invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25872/20]
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. 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 submitted additional evidence and that the Department was requested to return the file to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The file was forwarded to the Appeals Officer on 16 September 2020. The person concerned will be contacted when the Appeals Officer's review of his appeal has been finalised.
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.
