Invalidity Pension

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 May 2012

Tuesday, 15 May 2012

Ceisteanna (204)

John McGuinness

Ceist:

281 Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will confirm the medical assessment examination that was undertaken by her Department in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Carlow regarding his claim for invalidity pension; if the two medical assessments he had confirming his entitlement to illness benefit were considered; if his ongoing care under his consultant general practitioner was considered in the context of his invalidity pension claim; if his case will be reviewed with a view to granting him invalidity pension; and if she will expedite the matter [23735/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social Protection (Deputy Joan Burton)

The application for invalidity pension, by the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following a medical assessment by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for invalidity pension. I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an appeal was opened and in the context of that appeal his case was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who also expressed the opinion that he was medically unsuitable for invalidity pension.

In the light of the second medical opinion and in accordance with statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal were sought. 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 the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

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 on social welfare entitlements.

Question No. 282 answered with Question No. 265.

Question No. 283 answered with Question No. 280.

Question No. 284 answered with Question No. 276.