Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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1242.To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision has been made on an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31180/24]

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.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 18th April 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 2nd May 2024, and the case was referred to an Appeals Officer on 11th June 2024, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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1243.To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will ensure an invalidity pension appeal is approved without further delay (details supplied). [31182/24]

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 the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision on the 30th April 2024.

The Social Welfare Appeals system is underpinned by legislation which sets down the roles, powers and functions of the Social Welfare Appeals Office and its Appeals Officers. Under the legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive but may be reviewed under section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 by an Appeals Officer in the light of new evidence or new facts.

I am advised that a request for a review was submitted on 24th June 2024 and that an Appeals Officer will carry out a review of the case. The person concerned will be issued with the outcome of the review of the appeal decision when it has been completed.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.