Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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58. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason for cessation of a disability allowance-basic social welfare payment in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3232/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned did not apply for a disability allowance. Rather, in 2013 he applied for and was disallowed a State pension (non-contributory) on the grounds that he was deemed not to be habitually resident in the State. He was advised of this in writing in December 2013 and of his right to appeal or tender any additional information to the Deciding Officer as he may feel is relevant. Additionally he was advised that he should apply again in the future if his circumstances changed. There has been no response to date to this letter.

He was in receipt of supplementary welfare allowance during this time and a review of this commenced in March 2014. As part of this he was asked to furnish documentation from Department of Justice that detailed his status in the State. This was not forthcoming and as a consequence his supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) was suspended pending receipt of the said documentation. He has not been in contact with the Department since.

However, on foot of this query the officer will seek to arrange to meet with him again and outline what possible avenues may be open to him and what requirements by way of documentary evidence there are. The Deputy will be informed of the outcome of these enquiries.