Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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168. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the progress to date in determining an application for a carer's allowance in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25922/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In order to qualify for carer’s allowance (CA), the person providing the care cannot be engaged in employment, self-employment, training or education courses outside the home for more than 15 hours a week.

The person concerned was refused CA by a deciding officer on the grounds that she was attending a course outside the home for more than 15 hours per week. She was notified on the 28th of May 2014 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

The person concerned appealed this decision and the case was submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for determination. An appeals officer (AO), having fully considered all of the available evidence, disallowed the appeal.

The person concerned was notified on the 20th March 2015 of the AO’s decision and was provided at that time with a detailed explanation of the basis for this decision.

Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an AO is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of relevant additional evidence or new facts. If there has been a change in circumstances, the person in question should submit a new application for CA and her eligibility will be determined.