Niamh Smyth
Question:593. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; the status of the appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37025/20]
View answerTuesday, 17 November 2020
Questions (593)
Written answers
I 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 on 27 August 2020.
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 has submitted additional evidence and that the Department has been requested to return the file 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.
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.
Question No. 594 answered with Question No. 591.