Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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772. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 1241 of 7 September 2018, the reason the initial decision was revised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37798/18]

Regina 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 including that adduced at the oral hearing, had decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned on 3rd April 2018.

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 subsequently submitted additional evidence and that the Appeals Officer agreed to review the appeal of the person concerned on foot of this additional evidence. The Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, then decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.

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 hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.