Written answers
Wednesday, 2 February 2022
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Social Welfare Appeals
Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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97. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a social welfare appeal will be decided (details supplied) given the applicant is under severe financial pressure. [5206/22]
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 of the available evidence, decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned was notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision on 2 November 2021.
Under social welfare legislation the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of additional evidence or new facts.
I am advised that the person concerned has submitted additional evidence and that the Appeals Officer has agreed to review the case. The person concerned will be contacted when the review of her appeal has been finalised.
If the person's means are insufficient to meet their needs, it is open to them to apply for supplementary welfare allowance in the interim.
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 in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
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