Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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426. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an invalidity pension application for a person (details supplied) will be urgently expedited, given the circumstances. [41665/24]

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.

My Department received an application for IP from the person concerned on 7 June 2024. Based on the information supplied, the application was refused on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied.

A notification of the decision issued to the person in question on 20 August 2024 along with the reasons why the medical conditions for the scheme were not considered to be satisfied. This letter also advised of their right to seek a review of this decision or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).

An appeal request on behalf of the person concerned was received on 23 September 2024 with further medical evidence in support of the appeal. As they submitted additional information, a review of their entitlement to IP was conducted. It was determined that there was still no change to the original decision. Their IP file was sent to the SWAO on 11 October 2024 for determination by an Appeals Officer. The SWAO will be in touch with the individual concerned directly in relation to the outcome of their appeal.

In the meantime, they may apply to the Community Welfare Service for the means tested Supplementary Welfare Allowance if they are in need of financial assistance while awaiting the outcome of their appeal.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.