Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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174. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding determination of entitlement to invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23597/13]

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. The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of her claim was examined by a medical assessor who was of the opinion that the person concerned is not eligible for invalidity pension as she does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was, accordingly, disallowed by a deciding officer. The person in question was notified of this decision and the reason for it.

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 found that the person concerned does not satisfy the medical criteria. Accordingly, the deciding officer confirmed the original decision and notified the claimant of the outcome of the review. The claimant was also notified of her right to lodge an appeal with the social welfare appeals office.