556. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Social Protection if the disability allowance appeal of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath has been received by the appeals office; and when a decision will be reached on the appeal. [14026/14]

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision which was notified to her on 3 September 2013. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of additional evidence or new facts. Following receipt of additional evidence, the Appeals Officer agreed to review the case. In light of the new information, the Appeals Officer has decided to set aside his previous decision and has re-opened the appeal by way of granting an oral hearing. Every effort will be made to have the hearing as soon as possible and the person concerned will be notified of the arrangements when finalised. The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.