Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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362. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if he will consider correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67959/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Disability Allowance (DA) is a means-tested payment for people aged 16 to under 66 with a specified disability substantially restricting their ability to work. The person must also satisfy a means test and be habitually resident in the State.

The Department received application for DA on 13 May 2025. This was initially disallowed due to insufficient medical evidence. The person concerned was informed of her right to request a review or appeal. Following receipt of further medical evidence, a review was conducted that upheld the original decision on 16 June 2025.

Subsequently, the person concerned successfully appealed this decision, and DA was awarded from 14 May 2025, with notification issued on 15 September 2025. Payments commenced on 8 October 2025.

Backdating can be allowed up to six months where good cause is shown, including incapacity due to illness or infirmity. Lack of knowledge alone is not sufficient but complex circumstances such as hospitalisation and medical incapacity will be considered. The person concerned was in receipt of an alternative welfare payment during the DA decision & appeal process, this would impact the amount payable in arrears along with the backdating review.

Officials from my Department will examine the details provided by the Deputy and see if backdating of the DA claim can be applied in this individual's case. They will contact the person concerned directly if any further information is required.

On the matter of the overpayment and the withholding of a portion of her DA arrears, the Department is obliged to recoup overpayments in a timely manner, including offsetting arrears against any debt owed, as permitted under statutory regulations.

I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.