Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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537. 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. [10377/19]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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Disability allowance (DA) is subject to periodic reviews. This gentleman's entitlement to DA was recently reviewed and it was established that he had means not previously disclosed to this Department. These means are derived from a blind welfare allowance (BWA) which is paid by the health service executive (HSE).

DA is a statutory means-tested payment and the provisions governing the assessment of means are set out in legislation.  When deciding on entitlement of DA, a deciding officer has no discretion regarding the application of this legislation. The deciding officer implemented their decision from a current date resulting in no retrospective debt being raised against the person concerned.

This gentleman has lodged an appeal with the independent social welfare appeals office (SWAO).  All the relevant papers requested by that Office were prepared and submitted by this Department. The SWAO will be in touch with the person concerned in due course in relation to the progress of their appeal.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.