No oral hearing required for carer’s allowance repayment case

The Court of Appeal upholds the High Court's refusal to quash the summary decision of the chief appeals officer regarding the appellant's obligation to repay over €54,000 in carer's allowance. The appellant argued for the necessity of an oral hearing due to alleged conflicts in evidence and the exercise of discretion by the deciding officer. The High Court found no unresolved conflicts that mandated an oral hearing and noted the appellant's failure to provide additional evidence or engage with the appeals process. The Court of Appeal concurred, emphasising the availability of an alternative remedy under the applicable statute, which allows for revision of an appeals officer's decision in light of new evidence or facts. The appellant's failure to utilize this remedy precluded judicial review.