Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1125. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance application appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2651/20]

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, decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned on 16 December 2019.

Under social welfare legislation the decision of an Appeals Officer is generally 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 decision on foot of this additional evidence. Regrettably, the Appeals Officer did not find any new facts or fresh evidence which warranted a revision of their earlier decision.  The person concerned has been notified of the outcome of the Appeals Officer’s review of their 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.