James Lawless
Question:847. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13757/23]
View answerTuesday, 21 March 2023
Questions (847)
Written answers
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 am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence available, disallowed the invalidity pension appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision on 28 February 2023.
Under social welfare legislation the decision of an Appeals Officer is generally 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 file will be forwarded to the Appeals Officer to review the appeal decision on foot of this additional evidence. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his appeal has been finalised.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.