asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason for the delay in the processing of the application for invalidity pension of a person (details supplied) in County Louth; and when his application will be sanctioned.
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
70.
The person concerned originally applied for invalidity pension in March 1987. In order to determine his entitlement to that pension, it was necessary to arrange to have him examined by a medical referee of the Department. Unfortunately, on two occasions when arrangements for examination had been made, the examinations had to be cancelled.
When the person concerned was eventually examined, the medical referee was of the opinion that he could not be considered to be permanently incapable of work and was not therefore entitled to an invalidity pension. The person concerned appealed against this decision and in connection with his appeal a further medical referee examination was arranged but on this occasion the claimant was unable to attend due to illness. He was subsequently examined on 27 May 1988.
As he now appears to satisfy the medical and contribution conditions for invalidity pension, a form on which to formally apply for the pension has now been forwarded to him. On its return, duly completed the question of issuing a pension book will be dealt with, without delay and the pension awarded from the original date of application.