Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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509. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the specific training on foetal alcohol spectrum disorder that each deciding officer, appeals officer and medical assessor involved in the disability allowance process are required to undertake; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6357/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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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 condition.

As previously outlined, assessments of medical eligibility for DA are based on medical reports and other evidence supplied by the applicant. In arriving at their decision, a Deciding Officer will review all evidence available, including that provided by the person’s own doctor and the opinion of the Department’s medical assessor to assess the impact of a person’s illness/disability on their capability for work and on whether a person is substantially restricted from taking up full time employment.

The Department’s medical assessors are fully qualified medical practitioners who have experience and specialist training/qualifications in occupational medicine as well as in human disability evaluation. The Department's medical assessors have an ongoing commitment to continuing medical education to ensure that standards are maintained and enhanced.

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder is one of many topics taught during medical training. Its pathology, symptomatology and treatment are all covered in the curriculum. This is a condition that can present with different levels of severity and as such cases are assessed individually. The medical assessor considers how it impacts a person's functional ability and the impact that this has on their capability for work.

Where a decision is appealed, an Appeals Officer makes a decision taking account of all of the evidence presented. This includes medical evidence on the impact of a person’s illness/disability on their capability for work and on whether a person is substantially restricted from taking up full time employment. Training is provided on an ongoing basis to Appeals Officers on a broad range of issues of relevance to their role.

If the Deputy has a particular case in mind, he might provide the relevant details so that my officials can examine the specific case.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.