137. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application which has submitted further information (details supplied). [40548/24]

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 28th 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 6th September 2024, 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 7th October 2024. Once a decision is made on this Section 317 review the named person will be notified in writing.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.