Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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298. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application from August 2016 for invalidity pension in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36182/16]

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.

To qualify for IP a claimant, inter-alia, must have at least 260 (5 years) paid PRSI contributions since entering social insurance and 48 contributions paid or credited in the last complete contribution year before the date of their claim. Only PRSI classes A, E or H contributions are reckonable for IP purposes.

The department received a claim for IP for the gentleman concerned on 12 August 2016. In order to confirm his full contribution history and record, his case has been referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) for investigation. On return of the SWI’s report, his claim will be processed further and a deciding officer will be in direct contact with him regarding progress.

In the meantime, the gentleman is in receipt of a weekly illness benefit payment.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.