Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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164. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on an application for a carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36218/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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It is a condition for receipt of a carer’s allowance (CA) that the person being cared for must have a disability whose effect is that they require full-time care and attention.

This is defined as requiring from another person continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continuous supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself. The person must be likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.

I confirm that the Department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 7 July 2015. The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer (DO) decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.

The person concerned was notified on 18 September 2015 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.

A DO is currently reviewing all the evidence in this case, including the additional evidence submitted with your question. The person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome of that review. If the outcome is to confirm refusal of the allowance, the person concerned will retain the right of appeal to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office.