Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
720. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Social Protection about the case of a person (details supplied) who, having applied for and being refused an invalidity pension, appealed this decision and has been denied her request for an oral hearing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3127/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 regulations governing appeals provide that it is a matter for the appeals officer to decide whether an oral hearing is required or whether an appeal can be decided by way of summary decision.
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 by way of a summary decision on 17th June 2024. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
