Written answers

Tuesday, 12 December 2017

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection

Maternity Benefit Applications

Photo of Tom NevilleTom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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495. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on the further review of a maternity benefit appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52623/17]

Photo of Regina DohertyRegina Doherty (Meath East, 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 by way of a summary decision on 15 May 2017. 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, or where there has been a change of circumstances which has come to notice since the date of the Appeals Officer's original decision. I am advised that the person concerned has submitted additional evidence and that 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 Employment Affairs and 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.

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