Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Invalidity Pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and for no other reason and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.

The person concerned is in receipt of Invalidity Pension (IP) from my department since 18 June 2015. On 14 September 2023, the person in question was awarded an increase for a qualified adult (IQA) and an increase for two qualified children (IQC) effective from 23 February 2023 and for one qualified child effective from 10 August 2023. He requested a review of the award date of these increases and requested backdating of the IQA and IQC payments to 2018. This review was undertaken and the deciding officer (DO) found that there were no grounds for backdating as the individuals involved were not residing in Ireland with the applicant up to the dates from which the increases were awarded. The person concerned was notified on 20 February 2024 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of a further review or to appeal it to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. To date, the Social Welfare Appeals Office has not received a request to appeal this decision.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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733. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision be made in relation to a disability allowance review (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12046/24]

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, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.

A medical review of this individual's continued entitlement to DA was undertaken. Based on the evidence submitted, the person concerned was found not to be substantially restricted in seeking suitable employment, by reason of a specified disability, which is expected to last for a period of at least one year. The person concerned was informed of this decision in writing dated 9 January 2024 and afforded the right of review and/or appeal.

Further medical evidence was subsequently submitted on 22 January 2024 and, following a review of this documentation, the person concerned was informed on 7 March 24 that the original decision would not be overturned. They were afforded the right to appeal the decision.

If the person concerned wishes to submit further medical evidence, my department will undertake a review of this and will revert to them with a decision.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.