Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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122. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on a chief appeals officer review of the decision on a State pension (contributory) backdating appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45617/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the available evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision.

Under social welfare legislation the decision of the 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. Following the submission of additional evidence, the Appeals Officer has undertaken a review of the decision in this case under Section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 which provides for a review of the decision in the light of new evidence or new facts. It is envisaged that the outcome of the review will be provided to the person concerned in the very near future.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.