Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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352. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a domiciliary care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20495/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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353. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a domiciliary care allowance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20496/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received from the person concerned on the 28th April 2016. This application has been forwarded to one of the Department’s Medical Assessors for their medical opinion. Following receipt of this opinion, a decision will be made by a Deciding Officer and notified to the applicant. Applications are processed in date of receipt order. It can currently take 13 weeks to process an application for DCA.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.