Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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515. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection to provide an update on a review (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13788/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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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.

An application for IP was received from the person concerned on 28 August 2023. On 30 August 2023, the claim was refused on the grounds that the person concerned had less than the required 260 total contributions paid in Ireland for IP. The person concerned had a total of 208 Irish contributions.

As they had indicated that they had worked in the United Kingdom (UK), officers contacted the UK authorities to establish details of contributions paid. Their UK record was received on 18 December 2024. Once both records were combined, the person concerned now had the required 260 contributions to satisfy the contribution conditions for IP and their application was reviewed.

However, based on the supporting documentation supplied with the application, a Deciding Officer decided that they did not meet the the medical criteria for the IP. The person concerned was informed of this decision on 31 January 2025, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal.

On 13 February, a request for a review of this decision along with additional medical evidence was received. A full review was conducted, taking account of the additional medical evidence. The person concerned is now deemed medically suitable for IP and has been awarded IP from 31 August 2023.

They will receive their first payment at their nominated Post Office on 27 March 2025. Arrears due from 31 August 2023 to 26 March 2025 will also issue once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments from this period. The person referred to was notified of this decision on 21 March 2025.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.