Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection whether an urgent review/appeal is possible in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [50472/23]
View answerInvalidity Pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
For IP, claimants must have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last or second last complete contribution year before the relevant date of their claim. Only PRSI classes A, E ,H & S contributions are reckonable for IP purposes.
The qualifying PRSI contribution conditions are laid down in Social Welfare legislation and must be satisfied in order to be considered eligible for IP.
An application for IP was received from the person concerned on 10 October 2023. Her claim was refused on the grounds that the contribution conditions for the scheme are not satisfied. Specifically, she does not have the required 260 contributions paid since entering social insurance. The Department's records indicate she has a total of 191 contributions paid. The person in question was notified of the decision to refuse IP on 16 October 2023, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal. To date, no request for a review or appeal has been received.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
