Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020
309. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection her plans to recognise fibromyalgia as a condition under which sufferers are entitled to the disability allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29915/20]
View answerThe Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection provides a range of income supports, including disability allowance, for those who are unable to work due to an illness or disability.
Entitlement to disability allowance is not contingent on the nature of the illness or disability itself but on the extent to which a person’s capacity to work is restricted by illness or disability.
In all cases a deciding officer makes a decision in line with the provisions specified in the relevant social welfare legislation including supporting medical evidence supplied by the applicant and taking into account the opinion of the Department’s Medical Assessor.
Disability allowance is also a means tested payment and is subject to a habitual residency requirement.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
