Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 November 2012
138. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an invalidity pension appeal in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53386/12]
View answerInvalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.
This department received a claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned on 16 March 2011. The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of his claim was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion, based on the evidence provided, that the person concerned is not eligible for invalidity pension as he does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was disallowed by a deciding officer. The person in question was notified of this decision and the reason for it on 11 October 2011.
Further medical evidence was subsequently submitted by the claimant. This additional evidence, along with the original information, was evaluated by a different medical assessor who expressed the opinion that the person concerned does not satisfy the medical criteria. The deciding officer confirmed the original decision and notified the claimant of the outcome on 08 June 2012, advising him of his right to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.
The person concerned has appealed the decision and submitted further medical evidence which is currently with the medical assessor to further review his medical eligibility for invalidity pension.
If following this review, it is decided that he still does not satisfy the medical criteria, his file and all relevant papers will be prepared and forwarded to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for determination. If the claimant satisfies the medical criteria, a revised decision will be made by a deciding officer and he will be notified directly of same.
