Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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41. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding domiciliary care allowance and half carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43717/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The age limit for receipt of domiciliary care allowance (DCA) is 16 years. As the child concerned reached the age of 16 years in May 2013, DCA is no longer payable after that date. A letter issued in January 2013 advising that payment of the allowance was due to end in May and that the child could apply for disability allowance in his own right.

An application for disability allowance was received on the 6th March 2013. Based on the evidence submitted, this application was refused on medical grounds and the person was notified in writing of this decision on the 21st June 2013. He subsequently appealed that decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. He will be notified in writing when his appeal is decided.

The entitlement to carers allowance was reviewed when DCA ceased to be payable. It was found that the person being cared for was not so disabled or invalided as to require full-time care and attention as provided for in legislation. Carer's allowance was disallowed on this basis and a letter issued to the person concerned on 30th July 2013 notifying them of this decision. With the decision notification the person concerned was notified of the right of appeal.