Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1389. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a disability allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15005/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance (DA) from this gentleman on 21 February 2018. On completion of the necessary investigations on all aspects of the claim a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

The processing time for individual DA claims may vary in accordance with their relative complexity in terms of the three main qualifying criteria, the person's circumstances and the information they provide in support of their claim.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1390. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a disability allowance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15047/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The person concerned submitted an application for disability allowance (DA) on 9 October 2017. Their application, based upon all the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds as it was not found that this gentleman was substantially restricted in taking up employment.

The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 19 February 2018 and was also notified of their right to request a review of this decision or to appeal it to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). No request for an appeal or review has been received.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1391. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a disability allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15048/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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I can confirm that my department received an application for disability allowance (DA) from this gentleman on 26 January 2018.

On 10 April 2018 the person concerned was requested to supply supporting documentation required by the deciding officer in order to make a decision on his eligibility.

On receipt of this information a decision will be made on his DA application and the person concerned will be notified of the outcome.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1392. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a disability allowance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15049/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11 January 2018. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 12 February 2018 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1393. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a disability allowance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15050/18]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The person concerned submitted an application for disability allowance (DA) on 4 September 2017. Their application, based upon all the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds as it was not found that this gentleman was substantially restricted in taking up employment. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 16 November 2017.

Further medical evidence was received and a review of this decision was carried out. The original decision was upheld and the person concerned was notified in writing on 8 March 2018. He was also advised of his right to appeal this decision to the independent social welfare appeals office.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.