Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 579: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the position in relation to a disability allowance claim by a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and when the person will be approved and awarded same. [12160/08]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Disability allowance is a weekly allowance paid to people with a disability who are aged between 16 and 66 years. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to both a medical examination and a means test.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance and applied for a Disability Allowance on 12th September 2007. The Medical Adviser determined that an examination would be necessary in order to establish the person's medical suitability to Disability Allowance. The person concerned will be notified of the date of examination in Belmullet; this would be during the early part of May next. However, if the customer wishes to be accommodated for an exam in the Ballina area instead, this can be arranged. There are examinations scheduled for Ballina on 10th April. If the person concerned wishes to attend this exam, arrangements will be made for his travel expenses to be paid by the Department.

A Social Welfare Inspector has already visited the person concerned and established his means. A final decision will be given on the Disability Allowance claim upon receipt of the Medical Assessor's report. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. The person continues in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance in the interim.