Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding a review of new evidence that was sent to the social welfare appeals office by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo. [45504/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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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. 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. Fresh evidence has been submitted and the Appeal Officer has decided to re-open the appeal by way of granting an oral hearing. The person concerned will be contacted when arrangements for the hearing have been arranged.

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 on social welfare entitlements.