Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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40. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a review of a carer's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43715/13]

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 of the available evidence including that adduced at oral hearing, decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of additional evidence or new facts.

In light of the additional evidence submitted by the Deputy the file of the person concerned has been recalled from the Department and the Appeals Officer dealing with this case has agreed review his original decision. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her 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.