Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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193. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the current status of a disability allowance application for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25466/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, a means test and Habitual Residency conditions.

I can confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 6 January 2023. Based on the evidence supplied in support of this person’s application, this application for DA was refused on failing to supply sufficient information to determine the person's means. In addition, based upon all evidence submitted, the claim was refused on medical grounds as it was not found that the person was substantially restricted in taking up employment.

The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 18 April 2023 and was also notified of the right to request a review of this decision or to appeal it to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).

The person concerned requested an appeal. The Disability Allowance section of my Department received this notice from the SWAO on 11 May 2023 and a file of the case in question was forwarded to the SWAO for their consideration.

The person will be notified directly regarding the outcome of the appeal by the independent SWAO.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.