Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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556. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the case of a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that it is June 2017 since an application was lodged. [15179/19]

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 invalidity pension (IP) from the lady concerned on the 28 April 2017. Her claim for IP was disallowed on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. She was notified on the 26 June 2017 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her rights of review and appeal.

A review was requested and further medical evidence was submitted on 17 July 2017. Following a review of all the information available it was decided that there was no change to the original decision. She was notified on 28 August 2017 of the outcome of the review. A further review was requested on 31 May 2018 and additional medical evidence was submitted on 22 June 2018. Following a review of all the information available a deciding officer has confirmed the original decision to disallow the claim on medical grounds. She was notified on 08 October 2018 of the outcome of the review.

The lady in question lodged an appeal of the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) in November 2018 and submitted additional medical evidence in support of her appeal.

Following a review of all the information available it was decided that there was no change to the original decision and a submission was prepared by the Department and forwarded to the SWAO for determination on 28 March 2019. The SWAO will be in touch with the lady in question directly in relation to the progress of her appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.