Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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91. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection when a decision on a carer's allowance review will be made for a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2829/16]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment made to a person who is providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care. CA was awarded to the person concerned from 31 January 2013 in respect of full-time care for his wife.

Following a review of his continuing entitlement, CA was terminated with effect from 23 April 2015 as a deciding officer was satisfied that he was working for in excess of 15 hours per week and, therefore, cannot be considered to be providing full-time care and attention to the care recipient.

The person requested a review of this revised decision to disallow his CA payment. Following a full re-investigation of the circumstances of the case including a referral to a local social welfare inspector for a report, it has been decided that CA may be restored to the person in question from 24 April 2015 as the combined hours of those activities did (and does) not exceed 15 hours per week.

Accordingly, payment of CA has been reinstated from 24 April 2015. The person concerned will receive his first weekly re-instated payment at his nominated post office on 28 January 2016. Arrears of allowance due from 24 April 2015 less any outstanding debts, will issue in due course. The person concerned was notified on 19 January 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.