Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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206. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an invalidity pension backdating appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37798/19]

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, decided on 7 February 2019 to allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision and award Invalidity Pension from 2 September 2018.  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 has submitted additional evidence seeking backdating of Invalidity Pension beyond 2 September 2018.  This information was received by the Appeals Office on 12 September 2019 and the Appeals Officer will now review the decision.  The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his 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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.