James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding an invalidity pension in respect of a person (detail supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25295/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.

On 28 July 2011 an application for Invalidity Pension was received from the person concerned. While the person concerned satisfies the contribution conditions for Invalidity Pension, her suitability on medical grounds has yet to be established.

A request will issue shortly to the person concerned to submit medical evidence in support of her application. Upon receipt and examination of the requested information, an opinion on medical suitability will be provided to the deciding officer by the department's chief medical advisor. Once the deciding officer receives this opinion regarding medical suitability, a decision regarding entitlement to invalidity pension will be made and the person in question will be notified directly of the outcome.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of illness benefit from my department at a weekly rate of €188.00. Illness benefit is a short-term payment for people who are incapable of work for medical reasons and who satisfy the contribution conditions.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Longford who is on a pension of €219 is being refused carer's allowance in respect of his elderly parents, to whom it is being given full-time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25299/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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On 12 September 2011 the person concerned was advised that his claim was under review.

Based on departmental records, his weekly income exceeds the statutory limit of set down in respect of carer's allowance. He was requested, on the same date, to forward any additional evidence of his income that he might have to prove his entitlement to carer's allowance. Any such evidence, once received, will be taken into account before a decision is made on his continued eligibility for carer's allowance.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 70: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason carer's allowance and respite grant have been discontinued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25300/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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On 01 June 2011, payment of carer's allowance to the person concerned was stopped on the grounds that the person concerned was working outside the home for more than 15 hours per week, contrary to the statutory conditions for receipt of carer's allowance.

She was notified of this decision and the reason for it. Qualification for receipt of the Respite Care Grant is subject to the same condition, that the carer may not work outside the home for more than 15 hours per week.