Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

276. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application for an invalidity pension by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28513/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 must, inter-alia, 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 were reckonable for IP purposes up to 30 November 2017.

The department received a claim for IP for the gentleman concerned on the 08 November 2017. His application was refused on the 27 February 2018 on the grounds that the contribution and medical conditions for the scheme are not satisfied. He was notified on the 27 February 2018 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.

The gentleman concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted further medical evidence in support of his request. Self-employed contributors have been eligible for the invalidity pension from the 01 December 2017. As the gentleman concerned has class S (self-employed) PRSI contributions paid, he fulfils the contribution criteria for IP from 01 December 2017. Following a review of all the information available the deciding officer is satisfied that the medical conditions for the scheme are satisfied and the gentleman has been awarded IP with effect from the 07 December 2017. Payment will issue to his nominated bank account on the 05 July 2018. Any arrears due from the 07 December 2017 to 04 July 2018 (less any overlapping social welfare payment) will issue in due course. The gentleman in question was notified of this decision on the 27 June 2018.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.