Disability Allowance

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020

Tuesday, 16 June 2020

Questions (1027)

Holly Cairns

Question:

1027. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the number of persons in receipt of disability allowance who have availed of the temporary wage subsidy scheme. [11532/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (Finian McGrath)

Disability allowance (DA) is a payment for persons between the ages of 16 and 66 with a specified disability which is expected to last at least 1 year, and who by reason of that disability, are substantially restricted in undertaking work suitable to their age, qualifications and experience.  Applicants must also satisfy a means test and be habitually resident in the State.

The DA scheme is structured to encourage recipients to avail of opportunities to engage in work where this is appropriate, either in self-employment or in insurable employment.

The number of DA recipients who have received at least one Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) payment as at the end of May was 2,739.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.