Willie Penrose (Longford-Westmeath, Labour)
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133. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the precise basis upon which a case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath under the disability allowance scheme has been reviewed and the circumstances thereof; if she will give cognisance to the considerable outlay and expenditure incurred by this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2292/16]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Disability allowance (DA) is a means tested scheme. Any income, with some specified exceptions, belonging to the person and/or his or her spouse/partner/co-habitant is assessable as means for DA purposes. Full details of the means assessment rules for DA can be found on www.welfare.ie.

Following a routine review of entitlement, it was established that the financial circumstances of the person in question had changed, which resulted in a reduced entitlement. There is no discretion allowed to deciding officers in the assessment of means as the relevant rules and regulations are laid down in social welfare legislation.