Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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1263. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for invalidity pension by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6491/20]

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 for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

The Department received a claim for IP for the gentleman concerned on 02 July 2019.  He was refused IP on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied.  He was notified on 03 October 2019 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review or appeal. 

He requested a review of this decision and submitted further medical evidence 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.  He was notified on 05 March 2020 of the outcome of the review.   

He subsequently lodged an appeal with the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) and submitted further medical evidence in support of his appeal.  Following a review by a deciding officer of this medical evidence in conjunction with all information available, it was decided that there was no change to the original decision.  A submission was prepared by the department and was forwarded to the SWAO on 13 May 2020 for determination by an appeals officer.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.