Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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427. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12595/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I confirm that the department is currently processing an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned. Additional information in relation to the person’s application has been requested by a deciding officer. Once the information is received the application will be processed and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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428. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12605/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Carer's Allowance (CA) is a social assistance payment made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person with a disability requiring that level of care and whose income falls below certain limits. The department regularly reviews persons in receipt of CA to ensure their continued eligibility for the payment. The evidence submitted in support of the person’s continued eligibility and all other relevant evidence was examined and the deciding officer decided that the requirement for full-time care was no longer satisfied.

The person concerned was notified on 18 August 2015 of this decision, the reasons 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 20 May 2016 of the AO’s decision and was provided at that time with an explanation of the basis for this decision to disallow the appeal.

Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an AO is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of additional evidence or new facts.

My department informs me that there is no current application for CA from the person concerned. However I have arranged for an application form (CR1) to issue, which the person concerned should complete and return as soon as possible if she believes there has been a change in circumstances and she may be eligible. Upon receipt of a fully completed application form and any necessary supporting documentation the person concerned will be notified of the position regarding their eligibility.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.