Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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175. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the appeal submitted by a person (details supplied) to the Social Welfare Appeals Office in August 2023; if her attention has further been drawn to the situation whereby the person has not received any payment from her Department; when it is expected that the Appeals Office will make a decision on the person’s appeal; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30239/24]

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. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in light of additional evidence or new facts.

I am advised that the person concerned submitted additional evidence subsequent to the decision of the Appeals Officer. The case has been referred to an Appeals Officer, who will review the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented, as a matter of priority.

The person concerned will be contacted when the review of his appeal decision is finalised.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.