John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 101: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason the invalidity pension section of her Department has opted for an internal section policy not to disclose decisions on claims to public representatives; when this privilege was withdrawn and what consultations were held with her office; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23513/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I am assured that no such policy exists within invalidity pension section.

It is a long-standing policy in invalidity pension section to notify each claimant directly, in writing, of a formal decision on their claim. However, information on potential eligibility of any claim will not be released either to a claimant or a public representative prior to a formal decision being made on the claim. I am informed that, in certain circumstances for control and quality assurance purposes, decisions made by deciding officers are required to be checked and ratified by a supervisor. In such cases, it is not considered appropriate to release information, either to the claimant or to a public representative, until the decision is duly checked and ratified. These procedures are in place to ensure that any information released is accurate.

I trust that you will understand that these policies are in place to ensure the highest quality in information provision, both for claimants and their public representatives and not to obstruct or limit access to information. Invalidity pension section operates dedicated Oireachtas enquiry lines which are staffed on a continuous basis to ensure that quality information is available to public representatives as required.