Barry Cowen
Ceist:135. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a person (details supplied) in County Offaly may expect a decision on their appeal for invalidity pension. [39903/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 21 October 2014
Ceisteanna (135)
Freagraí scríofa
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 disallow the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned was advised of the Appeals Officers decision on 10th July 2013.
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.
Following receipt of additional evidence the Appeals Officer, dealing with this case, has reviewed his decision on two occasions. Having taken careful regard to all submissions the Appeals Officer did not consider that the evidence provided on each occasion was of a compelling nature which would allow for a revision of his original decision. The person concerned was informed of the result of Appeals Officers review on 14th January 2014 and 21st May 2014 respectively.
The person concerned has again submitted additional evidence and the Department has been requested to return the file to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. On receipt of this file, the Appeals Officer will again review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his appeal has been finalised.
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.