Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

239. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will review an entitlement to invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44212/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Invalidity pension is a payment for persons who are permanently incapable of work and who satisfy the PRSI contribution conditions.

The person in question was in receipt of invalidity pension from 29 January 2009. Following a review of her claim, her payment was suspended with effect from 23 May 2013, as it was discovered that she was working without permission while in receipt of an invalidity pension.

Upon further enquiries by the Department, the claimant submitted a payslip and a date of commencement of employment on 30 May 2013. The claimant further indicated that her employment was continuing.

A letter issued to the person concerned inviting her to forward in writing any observations or comments regarding her invalidity pension claim and her employment.

On 8 October 2013, a deciding officer disallowed invalidity pension in respect of the person concerned from 05/01/2012 to 22/05/2013 on the ground that she was working while in receipt of invalidity pension. The resulting overpayment amounts to €16,077.60. The person in question was advised of her right to seek a review or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).

The person concerned has lodged an appeal and all relevant papers will be prepared and forwarded to the SWAO as soon as possible.