Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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302. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) who submitted an appeal on 15 November 2023 with regard to benefit payment for 65-year-olds has not yet received a decision on the matter; when a decision is likely to be reached in this case; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39961/24]

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, has decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.

The desire to process appeals quickly has to be balanced with the competing demand to ensure that decisions are consistent and of high quality and made in accordance with the legislative provisions and the general principles of fair procedures and natural justice.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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303. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an invalidity pension appeal (details supplied); when a decision will be likely to be reached in this case given that the appeal was submitted some time ago; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39965/24]

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 Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to disallow the disability allowance appeal of the person concerned on 26th February 2024.

Under social welfare legislation a decision of an Appeals Officer is generally final and conclusive. However, it may be reviewed by an Appeals Officer under Section 317 of the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 in the light of new evidence or new facts.

On 22nd June 2024, further medical information was received pertaining to the appellant and as a result a Section 317 Review of the appeal officer's decision was opened on 12th July 2024. Once a decision is made on this Section 317 review, the appellant will be notified in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.