Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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400. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the progress made to date in respect of a review regarding eligibility for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50542/13]

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 the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision on 5 September 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. I am advised that the person concerned submitted additional evidence which was received in the Appeals Office on 14 October 2013, and the Appeals Officer agreed to review the person’s concerned appeal on foot of this additional evidence. Regrettably the Appeals Officer did not find any new facts or fresh evidence which warranted a revision of his earlier decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision. 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.