Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1122. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on the review of a backdated appeal State pension (contributory) in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42975/22]
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 the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision on 22 June 2021.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of the Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by the 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 of the person concerned on foot of this additional evidence. The Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has now decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision on 9 August 2022.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
