Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

177. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary was refused disability allowance; the grounds on which the person was deemed to be not substantially disabled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23161/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Entitlement to disability allowance is based on satisfying medical, means and residency conditions. The person must be between the age 16 and 66.

In order to qualify for the scheme on medical grounds a person must be suffering from an injury, disease, congenital deformity or physical or mental illness or defect which has continued or may reasonably be expected to continue for a period of at least a year and as a result of the condition the person is substantially restricted in undertaking work which would otherwise be suitable having regard to the person’s age, experience and qualifications.

A deciding officer having examined all the documents in support of the application and havening weighed up the evidence decided that the person concerned was not substantially restricted in seeking suitable employment, by reason of a specified disability , which is expected to last for a period of at least one year. The onus is on the applicant to provide the department with sufficient evidence to demonstrate their eligibility in relation to all conditionality.

The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 3 June 2015. The person in question, was given the option of seeking a review or appealing our decision directly to the Social Welfare Appeals Office, within 21 days. To date, neither option has been exercised.