John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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211. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will review the decision taken on an application for a disability allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if the person's means, which come from a spouse's income, will be examined on the basis of the person's debts, the hardship being experienced by the family, the person having had a stroke, being in very poor health, and not being able to work again; and if her Department will advise the family as to the supports they may be entitled to. [35973/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I confirm the person in question is in receipt of reduced rate of disability allowance due to income from his spouse’s employment. The means assessment applied by the deciding officer is set down in legislation and therefore the deciding officer cannot deviate from the process. There are disregards applied to the income to allow for expenses. If there has been a change to the circumstances of the person concerned, he may forward any relevant documentation that he deems relevant and the case will be reviewed.

The person concerned is advised to contact their local citizens information centre who will advise them if there are any other forms of assistance appropriate to their specific circumstances.