Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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407. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim was refused a payment on medical grounds when they qualified on medical grounds two years ago and the medical condition has deteriorated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9482/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person in question on the 13th November 2013. The person in question was previously in receipt of carer’s benefit, which exhausted. While the care recipient satisfied the medical criteria for carer’s benefit, this was only for a two year period after which a review was recommended by the medical assessor.

The person in question submitted medical evidence in support of the carer’s allowance application. Based on all of the evidence submitted the medical assessor was of the opinion that the care recipient did not satisfy the medical criteria for carer’s allowance. A deciding officer, having considered all the evidence in support of the application including the opinion of the medical assessor, disallowed the application on medical grounds. The person concerned was notified of the decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review or appeal on the 27^th of January 2014.

The person in question has recently appealed this decision and the appeal process has commenced.