Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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1322. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if it can be ensured that those in receipt of disability allowance and attached benefits (details supplied) are not penalised if accepted onto the proposed Budget 2026 full rollout of the basic income for the arts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47260/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Disability Allowance (DA) is my Department's primary disability related social assistance scheme. DA is a means-tested payment for people with a disability who are aged between 16 and 66. In order to be eligible, the disability must be expected to last for at least one year. The allowance is also subject to a means test, a medical assessment and a habitual residency requirement.

I can confirm the person concerned is in receipt of DA effective from 13 December 2023 at a reduced current weekly rate of €101.00. Means of €310.69 derived from his spouse/partner’s insurable employment.

Social welfare legislation provides that, for means-tested social assistance schemes, all income and assets belonging to the claimant, and his or her spouse/partner where applicable, are assessable for means testing purposes. The purpose of the means test is to ensure that resources are directed to those with the greatest need for income supports by the State.

The DA scheme has a number of disregards that apply for the purpose of the means test. The Basic Income for the Arts payment is treated as income from self-employment and normal means assessment processes apply to this self-employment income.