John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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35. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if an appeal for non-contributory pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38633/14]

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.

I am advised that the person concerned has submitted additional evidence to the Appeals Office and that the appeal decision will be reviewed in light of this evidence. The Appeals Office will be in contact with the person concerned in relation to this review shortly.

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.