Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 April 2016
104. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection to continue to pay an invalidity pension to a person (details supplied) in County Carlow while that person's appeal is being processed; and if she will arrange an oral hearing. [6004/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Social Protection legislation provides that illness benefit can be paid for a maximum of 104 weeks (624 pay days) in respect of claims made from January 2009 onwards. The person concerned was in receipt of illness benefit and has received their full entitlement of 624 days up to 31 March 2016.
Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. The department received an application for IP for the person concerned on the 05 January 2016. A deciding officer (DO) refused IP to the person concerned on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. The person concerned was notified on the 05 February 2016 of the decision, the reasons for it and of their right of review and appeal.
The person concerned requested an appeal of this decision and submitted further medical evidence in support of their request. Following a review of all the information available the DO is now satisfied that the medical conditions for the scheme are satisfied. As a result the appeal is no longer necessary. Invalidity Pension will be awarded to the person concerned provided they satisfy all other conditions for the scheme. The IP claim is currently with a DO who will be in direct contact the person concerned regarding their application.
