John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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480. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection If disability allowance will continue to be paid to a person (details supplied). [42596/24]

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, a means test and the habitual residency conditions.

I can confirm that an application for DA was received in respect of the person concerned on 24 October 2006 and her claim was awarded with effect from 25 October 2006.

The Department periodically conducts reviews to ensure continuing eligibility and to confirm that the qualifying conditions continue to be fulfilled and that no disqualifications from receiving Disability Allowance apply.

The Department initiated a medical review of the person concern on 13 September 2022 and asked her to complete a medical self-review form (MR99). This was returned to the Department on 4 October 2022. On the basis of the medical information provided by the customer, they were deemed not to be eligible for DA and a further medical form, to be completed by her doctor (MR33) was issued on 2^nd May 2023. This information was returned on the 13^th June 2023 and a review of this information was undertaken by a Departmental Medical Assessor, who provided a medical opinion to the Deciding Officer.

A letter issued to the person concerned on 26 October 2023 informing them that based on the evidence submitted, it had found her to be not 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. No response was received from the person concerned. On the 17 January 2024 the person concerned was informed that their DA payment would be terminated with effect from the 6 February 2024.

The person concerned subsequently supplied Further Medical Evidence (FME) on 12 February 2024. Her DA payment was reinstated, and all arrears were issued to her.

The Department reviewed all information provided on this case, including the FME, to determine ongoing eligibility to DA. Following the review it was determined that she was not 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, and that her last payment would be on the 25 September 2024. A letter issued to the person concerned informing them of the outcome.

I can confirm that no new review was commenced following the temporary reinstatement of the DA payment. This was a continuation of the initial review.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.