Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

381. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider providing a basic payment of disability allowance level for persons who are diagnosed with cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34538/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department provides a comprehensive suite of income supports, including illness benefit, invalidity pension, and disability allowance for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability. Entitlement to these supports is not contingent on the nature of the illness but on the extent to which a particular illness or disability impairs or restricts a person’s capacity to work. Therefore, there is no requirement to introduce a scheme where support is conditional on the nature of the illness as the existing schemes already cover all illnesses.

Hope that clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

382. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when arrears will issue to a person (details supplied) who is in receipt of a disability allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34569/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Following a successful appeal, this lady has been awarded disability allowance with effect from 24 February 2016. The first payment was made by her chosen payment method on 2 November 2016.

Arrears of payment due will issue as soon as possible once any necessary adjustment is calculated and applied in respect of any overlapping payments or in respect of outstanding overpayments (if applicable).

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.