Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

629. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue in relation to a carer's allowance review request by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37171/19]

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, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeals of the person concerned relating to carer's allowance applications in respect of her parents by way of  summary decisions on 9 April 2019.

Under social welfare legislation the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by an 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 decisions in respect of these appeals on foot of this additional evidence.

I am advised that the Appeals Officer requested more information in these cases on 28 August 2019. The person concerned submitted the additional evidence on 5 September 2019 and the Appeals Officer will now review the decisions in both cases.  The person concerned will be contacted when the reviews of these appeals have 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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.