Disability Allowance Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 December 2014

Tuesday, 2 December 2014

Questions (159)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

159. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will review the decision not to enable disability allowance payments to be paid into a bank account in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason the disability allowance payments can only be accessed at their nominated post office, in view of the strong case made by medical and social workers in relation to this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46118/14]

Written answers

Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection

Except in certain exceptional circumstances, disability allowance is not payable for any period in respect of which the claimant is resident outside of the State. In all circumstances, disability allowance recipients must inform the Department that they are intending to leave the State. For control reasons, the Department has decided that the appropriate payment method for the person concerned is collection at her nearest Post Office. The person in question has appointed an agent to collect payments on her behalf. The Department is aware of the person’s desire to have her payment made by electronic fund transfer to her bank account and is keeping the matter under review.