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 the gentleman concerned on 13 December 2017. The claim was disallowed on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied and the gentleman concerned was engaged in farming. He was notified on 02 July 2018 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.

Following a review of his application by a deciding officer, the decision to disallow IP was upheld. The gentleman appealed the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office. An appeals officer (AO), having taken all available information into account, upheld the department’s decision and disallowed the appeal. He was notified of the decision of the AO on 09 January 2019. Following the submission of additional documentation by the gentleman in question, the case was reviewed by an AO and the decision to disallow the appeal was upheld. He was notified of the outcome of the review by the AO on 17 April 2019. The decision of an AO is final and conclusive in the absence of additional relevant evidence not available at the time of the appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.