Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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140. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); when a decision is likely to issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25045/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision-making functions.

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 on 10 January 2023. Under social welfare legislation the decision of an Appeals Officer is generally final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of additional evidence or new facts.

I am advised that additional evidence was subsequently submitted and that the Appeals Officer agreed to review the case under Section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. The case is currently being considered. The person concerned will be issued with the outcome of the review of her appeal decision as soon as possible.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.