Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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1463. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an invalidity pension claim by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16396/18]

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 received a claim for IP for this lady on 08 September 2017. She was refused IP on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. She was notified on 07 November 2017 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review or appeal.

She requested a review of this decision and submitted further medical evidence on 08 December 2017 in support of his request. Following a review of all the information available it was decided that there was no change to the original decision. She was notified on 05 February 2018 of the outcome of the review and of her right to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office within 21 days.

The lady in question lodged an appeal of the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) on 13 February 2018 and submitted additional medical evidence in support of her appeal. Following a review of all the information available it has been decided that there is no change to the original decision and a submission has been prepared by the department and forwarded to the SWAO for determination. The SWAO will be in touch with her directly in relation to the progress of her appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.