Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if over 1000 persons are in receipt of invalidity pension over an extended period, including persons with severe mental health problems and at risk of suicide, have had their invalidity pension withdrawn without clinical assessments being carried out; the reason for this campaign against invalidity pension; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42127/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Invalidity pension is paid to persons who meet certain contributory conditions and who are considered to be permanently incapable of work.

There is no campaign against invalidity pension. Approximately 1,000 invalidity pension customers are selected for medical review each year in order to establish if they continue to satisfy the medical criteria for receipt of an invalidity pension. Cases with a short review referral date (1 and 2 years) are prioritised for review with samples of cases with longer review referral dates being selected also.

As part of the review processes customers are issued with a medical report form by the Department for completion by their own doctor. The information provided on this medical report is then reviewed by a Medical Assessor from the Department in order to establish the customer’s on going entitlement to an invalidity pension. Invalidity pension reviews are medically assessed at desk level on the basis of medical evidence submitted. Eligibility is determined by the severity and expected duration of the medical condition. The assessment is made in accordance with the Department’s evidence based medical guidelines and protocols. The Medical Assessor presents his/her medical opinion for a Deciding Officer in the scheme area.

Customers found ineligible at review stage are offered the opportunity to submit further medical evidence in support of their case and they are also advised of their right of appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.