I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeals officer having fully considered all of the available evidence, including that adduced at oral hearing, decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned was informed of the Appeals Officers decision on 4 September 2013.
The appeal in question was returned to the Social Welfare Appeals Office by the Deciding Officer seeking clarification of the Appeals Officers decision. The Appeals Officer dealing with this case has clarified the issue in question and has reiterated his original decision and the file will be returned to the Department for implementation of the Appeals Officers decision. 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.