Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 November 2012
119. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when an application for invalidity pension will be determined in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly who is now one year without payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53404/12]
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 an application for invalidity pension for the person concerned on 27 September 2011. The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of his claim was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that the person concerned is not eligible for invalidity pension as he does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was, accordingly, disallowed by a deciding officer. The applicant was notified of this decision and the reason for it on 09 December 2011.The person concerned subsequently submitted further medical evidence in support of his claim. This evidence was forwarded to a different medical assessor for evaluation and following this review the claimant was found medically suitable for invalidity pension.
The case was then referred to a social welfare inspector on 29 June 2012 for investigation as there was evidence that the claimant may be engaged in self-employment. This investigation is now complete and the report from the social welfare inspector is on its way back to the deciding officer.
On receipt of the report together with further information requested from the customer today, a decision will be made on this claim without further delay and he will be notified directly of same.
