333. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Social Protection when an appeal for invalidity pension will be completed for a person in County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40157/24]

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 8th August 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 13th August, further information was received pertaining to the appellant and as a result a Section 317 Review of the appeal officer's decision was opened on 15th August 2024.

The Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to allow the Section 317 Review of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.