Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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306. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for Carer's Allowance for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17051/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 6 April 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, the spouse of the person concerned is in receipt of a weekly social welfare support for both of them.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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307. To ask the Minister for Social Protection why there has been a delay of over three months in assessing the carer's allowance application for a person (details supplied) and if he can ensure a response is issued as soon as possible. [17165/16]

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 relevant person/persons and whose income falls below certain limits.

My department informs me that, to date, no application by the person concerned for CA has been received/registered and that they have been in touch with your office directly to clarify to whom this question relates so that you may receive an update.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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308. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when he will reach a decision on a carer’s allowance application for a person (details supplied). [17172/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I confirm that my department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 11 February 2016.

The application was referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied. Once the SWI has reported, a deciding officer will make a full decision and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.