Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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1080. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an invalidity pension arrears appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45025/19]

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 to allow the invalidity pension appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision on 7 February 2019. The appeal was allowed with effect from 2 September 2018.

Under social welfare legislation the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed under section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act, 2005 by an Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts, or where there has been a change of circumstances which has come to notice since the date of the Appeals Officer's original decision.

I am advised that the person concerned has sought further backdating of the award of invalidity pension and has submitted additional evidence which was received in the Appeals Office on 23 September 2019. The appeal decision is now being reviewed by an Appeals Officer. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of this appeal decision 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.