Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 360: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when disability allowance will be paid or invalidity pension in the event of the latter being more appropriate in view of the fact that the applicant was recently informed of the need for medical certificates every six months only in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25030/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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There is no record of a disability allowance claim being received in this department for the person concerned. An application form has been sent to her should she wish to apply.

This department received a claim for invalidity pension for the person concerned. Invalidity pension is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the contribution conditions.

The medical evidence provided by the claimant in support of her claim was examined by a medical assessor who expressed the opinion that the person concerned was not eligible for invalidity pension as she does not satisfy the medical criteria. The application for invalidity pension was, accordingly, disallowed by a deciding officer. The person in question was notified of this decision and the reason for it. She was also notified of her right to request a review of this decisions and of her right to lodge an appeal with the social welfare appeals office.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 361: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding disability allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25031/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In order to determine the weekly means in this case the claim was referred to a Social Welfare Investigator who will arrange to meet with the person concerned. A decision on the person's entitlement to disability allowance will be given on receipt of the Social Welfare Investigator's report and the person will be notified directly of the outcome.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 362: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding the introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme; the consultation with relevant stakeholders has she undertaken; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25032/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The question of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay, whereby employers would directly meet the costs of sick absence for an initial period of illness, is being considered in the context of the need to reform the social welfare system to bring it into line with practices in other countries in this area; the need to address the deficit in the social insurance fund; the need to limit progression from short-term illness to long-term illness or disability; and in the wider context of enhancing the health of the workforce and addressing levels of absenteeism.

Before any decision could be taken by Government on the possible introduction of a statutory sick pay scheme, a range of complex issues need to be examined in detail. These include the extent of coverage; the duration of payment; the rate of payment; and how to ensure that a scheme of statutory sick pay would be enforced and policed.

I hosted a consultative seminar on the feasibility and implications of introducing a scheme of statutory sick pay on 20th February 2012. This seminar was attended by a broad range of key stakeholders and afforded an initial opportunity to discuss the complex issues involved. The report of that seminar will be published shortly and will provide the basis for more detailed consultations with a range of key stakeholders.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 363: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision on carer's allowance will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 4. [25034/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned was refused on the grounds that the care recipient is not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations.

On 16 January 2012, she was notified of this decision and of her right of review and/or appeal within 21 days. Additional medical evidence has been received and forwarded to the medical assessor for consideration. The person in question will be notified of the outcome of the review shortly.