Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 July 2023
269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal against a decision to refuse the invalidity pension for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33255/23]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.
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 8th June 2023. 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, or where there has been a change of circumstances which has come to notice since the date of the Appeals Officer's original decision.
I am advised that the person concerned has submitted additional evidence and that the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his appeal has been finalised.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
