Invalidity Pension Appeals

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2013

Thursday, 26 September 2013

Questions (135)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

135. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection further to Parliamentary Question No. 451 of 2 July 2013, in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, if the relevant medical report from the most recent medical assessment on 27 May 2013 in Oisin House has been requested in respect of a pending appeal; if it is recognised that a person with such a condition is likely to be unacceptable to an employer on health and safety grounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40247/13]

Written answers

Minister for Social Protection

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an invalidity pension appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 9th May 2013. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

All documentary evidence, including the most recent medical assessment referred to by the Deputy, will be brought to the attention of the Appeals Officer who is assigned this case.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.