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

1595. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an appeal for invalidity pension in the case of a person (details supplied); if an oral hearing can be facilitated in this instance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55084/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to disallow the appeal of the person concerned. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.

Oral appeal hearings are granted at the discretion of an Appeals Officer usually in circumstances where there is conflict in the evidence presented by the parties. The appeal of the person concerned was dealt with by way of summary decision as it was considered that an oral hearing would be of no benefit in this case.

Invalidity Pension is a weekly payment made to persons who are unable to work because of a long-term illness or disability and who satisfy statutory PRSI qualifying conditions. The person concerned does not satisfy the PRSI qualifying conditions.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.