Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58077/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Payment of invalidity pension, to the person concerned, was disallowed by a Deciding Officer following an assessment by a Medical Assessor of the Department who expressed the opinion that she was medically unsuitable.

An appeal was registered on 20th December 2012 and the Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that, in accordance with the statutory procedures, the relevant department papers and the comments of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of the appeal have been sought. In that context, an assessment by another Medical Assessor will be carried out.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions on social welfare entitlements.