Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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123. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason the mother of a young boy (details supplied) suffering from autism spectrum disorder in County Leitrim has been refused carer's benefit and domiciliary care allowance despite extensive medical evidence from a number of experts regarding the 24 hour care that this child requires; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44989/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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An application for domiciliary care allowance was received from the person concerned on the 12th August 2013. This application was referred to one of the Department's Medical Assessors who considered that the child was not medically eligible for the allowance. A letter issued on the 13th September 2013 advising her of the decision. She subsequently requested a review of this decision and supplied additional information on her child's condition. Her application along with the additional information provided, was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who found the child to be medically eligible for the allowance. The person concerned was notified of the revised decision to award the allowance on the 18th October 2013 and payment will issue to her shortly.

An application for carer's benefit was received from the person concerned on 22 August 2013. This application was refused on the grounds that the care recipient was not so disabled as to require full time care and attention as prescribed in regulations. The person concerned was notified of this decision on 11 September 2013. The person concerned subsequently submitted further medical evidence for review. Her application along with the additional information provided, was reviewed by a second Medical Assessor who found the care recipient to be medically eligible for the benefit. Confirmation of carers leave dates was requested from the person concerned on 15 October 2013. On receipt of this information a decision will be made on the application.