Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 418: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will expedite a means assessment for a person (details supplied) who has been medically approved for disability allowance in view of the circumstances of their case.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27266/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The deciding officer has written to the person concerned requesting further information which is required before a decision is made. When this information is received the claim will be decided and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 420: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if carers allowance will be approved as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny and if she will expedite the matter. [27295/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I confirm that the department is in receipt of an application for carer's allowance from the person in question. In the interest of fairness and equity all applications are dealt with in order of date of receipt in the department.

On completion of the necessary investigations a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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Question 421: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to change the means testing of cohabiting couples where one is employed and the other is not; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27337/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The current means testing arrangements for social assistance schemes provide that married couples, civil partners and cohabiting couples, both same sex and opposite sex, are treated in the same manner, including where one of a couple is in employment and the other is not.

I have no plans to change these arrangements.

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 422: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason rent allowance has ceased in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27338/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The person concerned has recently obtained temporary employment but has not notified the Department of details. In order to assess whether an entitlement exists, we have requested information relating to this employment. When the necessary information has been received a full and thorough reassessment can be carried out.