Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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311. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19643/16]

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 17 September 2015. CA is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care.

The person concerned was refused CA on the grounds that she was not providing full-time care and attention as required. The person concerned was notified on 1 April 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of her application. Following this review the decision remained unchanged and the person concerned was notified of the outcome on 28 April 2016.

The person concerned has appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office and submitted additional evidence in support of her application which is being reviewed by a deciding officer. The review is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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312. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19644/16]

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 4 May 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 person concerned is in receipt of a weekly social welfare support.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.