Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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370. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision will issue in relation to an appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13013/22]

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 the available evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision on 26 November 2021.

Under social welfare legislation the decision of the Appeals Officer is generally final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by an 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. The Appeals Officer, having carried out this review and having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to allow the appeal. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.

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.