Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
706. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider broadening the scope of Catherine's Law to cover all scholarships to third level education (details supplied); if he will provide clarity on how his Department distinguishes between the various scholarships for exemption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6366/26]
View answerDisability Allowance (DA) is a means-tested payment for people aged 16 to 66 whose disability is expected to last at least one year. Entitlement is based on a medical assessment, habitual residence, and an assessment of means.
The Department received correspondence from the person concerned on 3 December 2025 regarding a €6,900 payment under the Miriam Cotter Scholarship. The person was in receipt of the maximum weekly rate of DA.
Following a review, this new payment was assessed as means of €146.80 per week, together with €78 from savings, giving total assessable weekly means of €224.80. The Miriam Cotter Scholarship not exempt from the DA means test. The disregard introduced in 2021 applies only to stipends granted for PhD (Level 10) studies.
The person was notified of this decision on 8 January 2026 and advised of their right to seek a review or to appeal. Once the scholarship ends, they may provide updated financial evidence for reassessment of the weekly rate of DA.
I recognise the financial and educational challenges faced by people with disabilities pursuing further study. I have asked my Department to examine how our schemes can best support such participation.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
