Pat Deering (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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399. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a file held since 14 April 2016 will be released to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21081/16]

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 3 December 2015.

The application was referred by a deciding officer (DO) to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) on 14 April 2016 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied. The SWI has confirmed that the case will be investigated as soon as possible. Once the SWI has reported, a decision will be made 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 his needs he should apply for a means-tested supplementary welfare allowance from the local community welfare service.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.