James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

310. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a social welfare appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13011/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer has completed a review of his original decision which allowed the appeal of the person concerned regarding a decision of the Department of 16 September 2016 in relation to their Jobseeker’s Allowance. The effect of that original decision was that the revised means would not be assessed retrospectively for the period 30 March 2016 to 13 September 2016. In light of additional evidence, the Appeals Officer has now reconfirmed that element of his decision and also decided that the Department’s decision shall not apply on a prospective basis.

An additional decision of the Department dated 30 January 2017 in relation to the means of the person concerned has not yet been appealed. The person concerned has now been notified of the Appeals Officer’s latest decision, including their option of appealing the decision of 30 January 2017.

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 on social welfare entitlements.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.