Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1072. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for a non-contributory pension by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44898/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned took place on 4 September 2019. At the hearing it was agreed that further investigation of the case was required and, accordingly, the matter was referred to a social welfare inspector. The report of the social welfare inspector has now been received and the case will be reviewed, in the first instance, by a Deciding Officer as to whether a revised decision is appropriate. If the person concerned is not satisfied with the outcome of the review, the matter will be referred to the Appeals Officer for their consideration and 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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.