John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

381. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [1347/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I 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 11^th October 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 has submitted additional evidence and that the Department was requested to return the file to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. This file was received on 3^rd December 2013 and was reviewed by the Appeals Officer who sought clarification on certain issues from the Department of Social Protection on 3^rd January 2014. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his 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.