Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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417. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she is satisfied that all calculations for the purpose of determining an entitlement to an increase for a qualified adult for the State pension (contributory) have been determined correctly in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41546/24]

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 Appeals Office that an appeal for the person concerned was received in that office on 13 April 2023. An Appeals Officer who, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned on 3 January 2024. The Appeals Office have confirmed that the Appeals Officer is satisfied that all calculations for the purpose of determining an entitlement to an increase for a qualified adult in this appeal were correct.

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 which were not before the Appeals Officer when they made their decision which had they have been, it would have rendered the decision erroneous.

If the named person wishes to request a review of the Appeals Officer’s decision under Section 317 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005, they must specify what new facts or evidence they wish to adduce which were not before the Appeals Officer when they made their decision.

Regarding the Deputy's reference to changes to income qualifying thresholds for State pension (contributory) as a result of Budget 2025 I can confirm that there were no changes to the income qualifying thresholds for qualified adults on State pension (contributory) in Budget 2025.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.