Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:441. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11158/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 12 February 2026
Ceisteanna (441)
Freagraí scríofa
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, means test and habitual residency conditions.?
According to the Department’s records, the person concerned was absent from the State for numerous periods between 2019 and 2025. It was decided that there was no entitlement to DA for these periods of absence from the State, having exhausted her holiday entitlements and an overpayment was assessed against this individual for these periods. The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision and of their right to request a review and/or to appeal on 19 November 2025. They have been repaying this debt through weekly deductions from their DA payment. A letter dated 16 December 2025 was issued to the person concerned inviting her to comment on the repayment of her debt or to advise the Department of any facts or circumstances which they consider relevant to the repayment. Upon receipt of a response to this letter, an officer will take into consideration their circumstances and make a decision on a new acceptable recovery amount. I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.