Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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181. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will re-examine the disallowance of a disability allowance and free travel pass in the case of a person (details supplied) and grant same under compassionate grounds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11917/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Disability allowance (DA) is a payment made to certain persons between the ages of 16 and 66 and who, because of a specified disability, are substantially restricted in obtaining work otherwise suitable to their age, experience and qualifications. Applicants must also satisfy a means test and be habitually resident in the State. There is no provision to award DA outside of these conditions which are laid down in legislation.

The person in question appealed to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) a decision by a deciding officer to discontinue payment of DA as her weekly means exceeded the statutory limit allowable for her family size.

Following due consideration, the appeal of the person in question was disallowed by an appeals officer (AO) on 19 April 2016. She was notified of this decision in writing by the SWAO on the same date. An AO’s decision is final and conclusive in absence of any fresh facts or evidence.

If there has been a change in their circumstances, then it is open to the person in question to reapply for DA.