John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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437. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the entitlements that are available to a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37272/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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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.  Permanently incapable of work is defined as an incapacity for work of such a nature that the likelihood is that the claimant will be incapable of work for life or an incapacity which has existed for 12 months prior to the date of claim and where the Deciding Officer or Appeals Officer is satisfied that the claimant is likely to be unable to work for 1 year from the date of the claim

The Department received a claim for IP for the person concerned on 05 March 2021.  The claim was refused on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied.  The person concerned was notified on 16 April 2021 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.

The person concerned requested a review and lodged an appeal of the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) and submitted further medical evidence in support of his claim. Following a review of all the information available it was decided that there was no change to the original decision.  Notification of the outcome of the review issued to the person concerned on 24 June 2021.  

Upon receipt of further medical evidence, received on 30 June 2021, his claim was further reviewed by the Department's Deputy Chief Medical Assessor (DCMA).  On receipt of the further medical evidence, the DCMA wanted to speak with the person's GP and made contact by telephone on 07 July 2021.  On the basis of the further medical evidence of 30 June 2021 and the telephone conversation with the GP, the DCMA has reviewed the claim and provided his medical opinion to the Deciding Officer.  Following a review of all available evidence and with due regard to the DCMA opinion, an Invalidity Pensions Deciding Officer has awarded the claim with effect from 25 February 2021, the date from when the Customer's Illness Benefit payment ceased.  Payment will issue to his nominated bank account on 15 July 2021.  Any arrears due from 25 February 2021 to 14 July 2021(less any overlapping social welfare payment) will issue in due course.  The person in question was notified of this decision on 07 July 2021. 

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.