Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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364. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will review the social welfare decision in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29057/24]

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.

I can confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 25 October 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, as requested on 3 November 2023, to determine the person's means. The missing information was in relation to bank accounts held by the person.

In addition, their application, based upon all the evidence submitted, was refused on medical grounds as it was not found that they were substantially restricted in taking up employment.

The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision 15 January 2024 and was also notified of their right to request a review of this decision or to appeal it to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). To date no request for a review or an appeal has been received.

Assessments of medical eligibility for DA are based on medical reports and other evidence furnished by the applicant and an applicant’s treating physician. The Person concerned can request a review of the decision 15 January 2024 and provide additional evidence to support their initial application.

Invalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions. Eligibility for IP can only be established on receipt of a completed application form.

Based on the information provided, the Department has not received a completed IP application from the person in question. My officials have sent an IP application form to the person concerned, to complete and return if they wish to apply for this payment.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.