280. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection if a decision has been made on domiciliary care allowance review in respect of a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37763/24]

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 24th May 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 9th August 2024, further medical information was received pertaining to the appellant and as a result a Section 317 Review of the decision was opened on 2nd September 2024. The person concerned will be notified in writing when the review is completed.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.