Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)

The second test applies to anybody who seeks the carer's allowance. It does not matter whether they live here, have come here or are re-establishing their habitual residence condition in the country. The bottom line is that one has to fulfil conditions to get the carer's allowance. As I outlined in the reply, this particular aspect was reviewed in 2006 and the report was published only last year. I do not intend to review it again in the immediate future. The system we operate currently is fair.

It is possible to make an appeal to the social welfare appeals office. I would not like to see anybody who is entitled to any of the allowances refused them. I would like to know the circumstances of each case. When an individual case is brought to my attention, it is difficult for me to comment on it without knowing the full circumstances. Nevertheless, the system is working quite well and nearly all people who have Irish citizenship are getting any allowances to which they are entitled.

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