Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 4 May 2022
307. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a response to a carer’s allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21940/22]
View answerThe 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 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 19 July 2021.
A decision of an Appeals Officer is generally final apart from some limited circumstances. Social Welfare legislation allows an Appeals Officer to revise his or her decision where it appears to him or her that the decision was erroneous in the light of new evidence or new facts which have been brought to his or her notice.
I am advised that the person concerned subsequently submitted additional evidence and that the Appeals Officer reviewed the appeal on foot of this additional evidence. The Appeals Officer did not find any new facts or evidence which warranted a revision of her earlier decision. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision on 9 December 2021.
I am advised that the person concerned has submitted additional evidence and that the Appeals Officer has again agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his/her appeal has been finalised.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
