Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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324. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the current status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23572/16]

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 1 February 2016. It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have a disability whose effect is that they require full-time care and attention.

This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continuous supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.

The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.

The person concerned was notified on 17 May 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.

The person concerned has appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) on 31 May 2016. On foot of the appeal, additional information was requested by a deciding officer on 20 July 2016.

Once this information is received the deciding officer will determine if there are grounds to revise the decision. If there is, the person concerned will be notified of the outcome. If not, the department will prepare a submission, as required by the SWAO, supporting its decision as soon as possible and the file will be sent to the SWAO for determination.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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325. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the current status of a carer’s allowance application for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23573/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

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.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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326. To ask the Minister for Social Protection to expedite a decision on an application under the carer’s allowance scheme submitted in April 2016 for a terminally ill person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23574/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Carer’s allowance was awarded to the person concerned on 14 July 2016 and the first payment is due to issue to their nominated bank account on 21 July 2016.

Arrears of allowance due from 5 May 2016 to 20 July 2016 have also issued. The person concerned was notified of these details on 14 July 2016.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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327. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the current status of an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23575/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Carer’s allowance was awarded to the person concerned on 12 July 2016 and payment in respect of weeks commencing the 14 and 21 July is due to issue to their nominated bank account on 21 July 2016.

Arrears of allowance due from 7 April 2016 to 13 July 2016 have issued by cheque. The person concerned was notified of these details on 12 July 2016.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.