Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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214. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if and when he will approve an application by persons (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14195/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 15 March 2016. Unfortunately, there are currently delays in the processing of new applications. 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.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.