Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 May 2018
209. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the decision taken in the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed immediately based on medical evidence provided; and if an oral hearing will be arranged. [22968/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI 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 27 April 2018. 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 if the person concerned submits additional evidence that the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will then be contacted when the review of his/her appeal has been finalised.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
