Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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61. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when she will issue a decision on an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8288/16]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 18 January 2016. Unfortunately, the average time taken at present to decide a new application is longer that we want. Additional resources have been provided to the CA section in order to improve the waiting times for new applications and they are working hard to make this happen.

Frequently, delays are outside the control of the Department and are caused by the customer failing to fully complete the claim form or failing to attach the supporting documentation that is requested on the application form.

This application will be processed as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. In the meantime, if the means of the person concerned are insufficient to meet her needs she should apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance from her local community welfare service.