Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if and when an appeal on an application for invalidity pension will take place in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57971/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.

This department received a claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned on 12 July 2012. The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of his claim was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion, based on the evidence provided, that the person concerned is not eligible for invalidity pension as he does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was disallowed by a deciding officer. The person in question was notified of this decision and the reason for it on 05 September 2012.

Further medical evidence was subsequently submitted by the claimant. This additional evidence, along with the original information, was evaluated by a different medical assessor who expressed the opinion that the person concerned does not satisfy the medical criteria. The deciding officer confirmed the original decision on 10 January 2013 and has notified the claimant of the outcome, advising him of his right to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.