Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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97. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on the review of additional information submitted in respect of a jobseeker's allowance appeal for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32405/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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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, 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.

I am advised that the person concerned has submitted additional evidence, the file has been recalled from the Department and the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his/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.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.