Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 November 2019
250. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue on an invalidity pension application by a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that the application was received by his Department on 1 March 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48410/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraInvalidity 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.
To qualify for IP a claimant must, inter-alia, 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 for their claim.
The department received a claim for IP for the gentleman concerned on 01 March 2019. The claim was disallowed on 22 March 2019 on the grounds that the contribution conditions under national legislation for the scheme were not satisfied.
EU Regulations provide that insurance contributions made in any other EU Member State may be aggregated with Irish contributions in order to satisfy the contribution conditions for IP. A request was sent to the UK social security authorities requesting the gentleman's UK insurance record. Receipt of this information confirms that he satisfies the contribution criteria under EU Regulations.
As well as satisfying the contribution criteria, a person must satisfy the medical conditions for the scheme. His claim has been disallowed on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme are not satisfied. He was notified on 18 November 2019 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
