Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2024
540. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection when will a decision be made in relation to a disablement pension for a person (details supplied) that is under review since January 2023; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43258/24]
View answerDisablement Benefit is a compensatory scheme for persons who have suffered a loss of faculty due to injury arising out of and in their insurable employment. To qualify for Disablement a loss of faculty must be assessed at 15% or more.
An application for Disablement Benefit was received on the 20 June 2020. A decision issued on 2 March 2021 stating that he did not qualify for the scheme as his loss of faculty was less than 15%. The decision was reached following a medical assessment of the claim with a loss of faculty assessed at 5%.
On 9 March 2021 the claimant lodged an appeal with the Social Welfare Appeals Office. On 16 June 2021 the Appeal was disallowed, and the decision of Disablement Benefit upheld. In their decision the Appeals Officer allowed the option of a review if further medical evidence became available.
On 18 January 2023 a review with further medical evidence was submitted. This review is now complete and a decision issued to the person concerned on 17 October 2024. It stated that based on the evidence supplied by the applicant, the original decision still stands. He has been offered the right the request an appeal of this decision.
I trust this clarifies the matter.
