James Geoghegan
Ceist:720. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Social Protection to review a case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14929/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 February 2026
Ceisteanna (720)
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, a means test and the habitual residency conditions.
I can confirm that the person concerned is currently in receipt of DA at the maximum weekly rate of €254.00 along with a weekly Living Alone Allowance of €22.00.
Following a notification received that the person concerned had been incarcerated, their DA was reviewed and it was decided that the person concerned was not entitled to DA for one week from 29 June 2022 and 05 July 2022. The Person concerned was overpaid €232.50 and was notified in writing of the decision on 18 April 2023 and15 May 2023.
The person concerned appealed the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) . They were notified directly by the SWAO regarding their appeal on 19 February 2024, that the original decision was upheld and the appeal was disallowed. An Appeals Officer’s decision is final and conclusive in absence of any fresh facts or evidence.
The person concerned requested a review by an Appeals Officer under Section 317 and Section 318 of the Social Welfare (Consolidation) Act 2005. The person concerned was notified on 11 July 2024 and 09 October 2025 that the original decision was upheld.
The person concerned was notified on 19 February 2026, of the Department's intent to start deductions of €20.00 weekly from their DA. These deductions will commence on 01 April 2026. They can contact the Department to request a review of the repayment of this debt or to advise the Department of any facts or circumstances which they consider relevant to the rate of repayment.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.