Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 section 343

Effect of decision for purposes of proceedings

Section 343 deals with the use of decisions made under the Social Welfare Acts as evidence in court proceedings, and the power of courts to adjourn cases while awaiting such decisions.

• Decisions made under the Act on questions of contributions, recovery of sums, or offences can be admitted as evidence in related court proceedings.
• A decision is only admissible if no appeal is pending and the time limit for lodging an appeal has expired.
• If a necessary decision has not yet been obtained, the question can be referred for decision under the Act before the court proceeds.
• The court may adjourn proceedings until a final decision on the outstanding question has been reached.