Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 June 2025
112. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 398 of 12 June 2025, if a person (details supplied) can discuss in person or by phone the reasons for the ongoing refusal of the non-contributory pension claim; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33134/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Social Welfare Appeals Office is a service 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 by way of a summary decision on 10th June 2025, as the means of the person concerned exceeded the statutory means limit. The person concerned will be notified in writing of the Appeals Officer’s decision in the coming days. The decision letter contains a detailed explanation of the reasons that the appeal has been disallowed.
I note the suggestion that an oral hearing might be of benefit in this case. Regulation 13 of Statutory Instrument 108/1998 (Social Welfare (Appeals) Regulations 1998) provides that where an Appeals Officer is of the opinion that the case is of such a nature that it can be properly determined without a hearing, he or she may determine the appeal summarily.
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 light of new evidence or new facts.
A staff member will contact the appellant by phone to discuss any outstanding queries.
