Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 November 2021
271. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will review the policy of her Department with regard to persons in receipt of the disability allowance whose payment is currently terminated if they study abroad; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57676/21]
View answerDisability Allowance (DA) is a payment for people with an injury, disease or disability that has continued, or may be expected to continue, for at least one year and, as a result of this disability, the person is ‘substantially restricted’ in undertaking work that would otherwise be suitable. At the end of September 2021 there were 154,563 persons in receipt of Disability Allowance.
A person is not disqualified for receipt of a disability allowance while engaging in a prescribed course of education, training or development. However legislation provides for disqualification from the payment where a person is resident, whether temporarily or permanently, outside the State. This is in line with the general rules of social assistance payments which are not payable abroad.
Disability allowance is a qualifying payment for the Back to Education Allowance (BTEA) scheme, which in certain circumstances allows for study in Northern Ireland, further details are available on the Gov.ie website.
While there are no plans currently to change the conditions that apply to this scheme in the manner proposed, the Department continues to keep the range of income supports available under review.
