Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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81. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if changes to the assessment process for carer's allowance will be reversed (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14443/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The purpose of section 4 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions Bill), 2015 is to clarify that eligibility for the carer’s benefit (CB), carer’s allowance (CA) and respite care grant (RCG) schemes is determined by a deciding officer on the basis of all of the information, including medical, available to him or her in relation to that claim.

The information considered by a deciding officer includes all of the relevant medical evidence – including that provided by a GP or consultant - that has been submitted by the claimant in support of the claim, as well as, where appropriate, any opinion provided by a medical assessor of the Department and any information provided by the carer in relation to the care provided to the recipient of care.

The new provisions essentially reflect the reality of how CB, CA and RCG claims have been decided since their inception. No change is being introduced in relation to who decides claims for any of these payments - decisions will continue to be made by deciding officers – and I am satisfied that the changes will not have an adverse impact on waiting times for decisions in relation to the schemes.