Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 July 2011
371 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if and when disability allowance or invalidity pension will be awarded — currently on appeal — in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22424/11]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe person concerned applied for disability allowance on 14 July 2010. His claim was referred to one of the department's medical assessors who was of the opinion that the person was not medically suitable for disability allowance. The deciding officer accepted this opinion and his claim was refused and the person was notified in writing of this decision on 15 November 2010. The person subsequently appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. Based on the evidence before him the appeals officer found that the person concerned was not substantially restricted in undertaking suitable employment by reason of a specified disability within the meaning of Social Welfare legislation and the appeal was not allowed. The applicant was notified of this decision in writing by the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 8 July 2011. An appeal officer's decision is final and conclusive in the absence of any fresh facts or evidence. No application has been received to date for an invalidity pension from the person concerned and an application will now be sent to him.
