Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
366. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Social Protection if an oral hearing request for a carer's allowance appeal will be facilitated for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53698/23]
View answerThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which 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 the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision on the 14 March 2022.
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 original appeal decision on foot of this additional evidence. Regrettably the Appeals Officer did not find any new facts or fresh evidence which warranted a revision of his earlier decision. The person concerned has been notified of the outcome of this review.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
