Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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129. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if and when carer's allowance will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath who has ceased employment; the reason the initial application was refused; if this parliamentary question will be accepted as notice of an appeal in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43773/14]

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 30th May 2014. The person concerned was refused carer’s allowance on the grounds that she was working outside the home for more than 15 hours per week and was not providing full time care and attention as required. The person concerned was notified of this decision on the 15th October 2014.

In the circumstances outlined in your question, the person concerned should reapply in writing to the Department as soon as possible with evidence of the date that her hours of employment reduced/ceased and her application will be re-examined. The circumstances of this case are complex and I am informed that it is likely that it will be necessary to refer the case to a social welfare investigative officer for a report on the circumstances in this case before a decision can be made.