Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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374. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the efforts being made to reduce the waiting time for review of medical assessments for invalidity pension claims; when a person (details supplied) will receive a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26526/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

The Department is committed to ensuring that claims are processed as expeditiously as possible. There are currently no backlogs of medical assessment on IP with only 81 claims awaiting assessment.

The Department received a claim for IP for the person concerned on the 13 July 2016. She has been awarded IP with effect from the 14 July 2016 and ppayment will issue to her nominated bank account on the 06 October 2016. Any arrears due from 14 July 2016 to 05 October 2016 (less any overlapping social welfare payment and/or outstanding overpayment) will issue in due course. The person in question was notified of this decision on the 23 September 2016.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.