Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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229. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of invalidity pension applications that are submitted for appeal annually; the percentage success rate of those appeals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20076/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The figures requested by the Deputy relating to Invalidity Pension appeals received and finalised during 2013 and to the end of April 2014, are provided in the table.

A total of 4,501 invalidity pension appeals were received during 2013. A total of 6,968 invalidity pension appeals were finalised during that year. 80.4% of the appeals which were finalised had a successful outcome for the appellant. 32.2% of the invalidity pension appeals which were finalised during 2013 were in fact revised decisions made by statutorily appointed Deciding Officers of my Department who reviewed the claim following the initial disallowance. During the first 4 months of 2014 a total of 1,149 invalidity pension appeals were received and 1,519 invalidity pension appeals were finalised. 77.6% of the appeals which were finalised had a successful outcome for the appellant and 19% of the cases finalised were revised decisions of Deciding Officers.

The decisions which were revised following a review by a Deciding Officer of my Department arose as a result, in many cases, of new facts or fresh evidence produced by the claimant after the original decision on his /her claim had been made. In such cases an Appeals Officer decision was not necessary.

Invalidity Pension Appeal Receipts and Outcomes 2013 - 2014 (to 30/4/2014)

1. Invalidity Pension appeals with sucessful outcomes for appellant = Revised DO decisions + Appeals Allowed and Partially Allowed by Appeals Officers (1+2+3)

2. Invalidity Pension appeals decided by Appeals Officers = Allowed + Partially Allowed + Disallowed (2+3+4).

3. Total Invalidity Pension appeals finalised - Revised DO Decisions + Appeals Decided by Appeals Officers + Appeals withdrawn (1+2+3+4+5).