John McGuinness
Ceist:359. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if an oral hearing will be arranged immediately for a person (details supplied). [34305/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 June 2021
Ceisteanna (359)
Freagraí scríofa
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 25 March 2020.
Under social welfare legislation the decision of an Appeals Officer is generally final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by an 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 appeal decision on foot of this additional evidence. The outcome of this review will be issued to the person concerned very shortly.
Appeals Officers make summary decisions on appeals based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing. An oral hearing will not be held if the Appeals Officer finds that there is no prospect that additional evidence could be provided via the hearing that would affect the outcome of the appeal.
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.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.