Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

725. To ask the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be reached on a carer’s allowance review in respect of a person (details supplied). [25281/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I confirm that my Department received an application for Carer’s Allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 28 January 2016 in respect of two care recipients.

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 in respect of either care recipient.

The person concerned was notified on 26 May 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. The outcome of that review is that it has been decided that one care recipient requires full-time care and attention and that while the other care recipient requires some assistance with some daily tasks, the information supplied is insufficient to show that he requires frequent assistance throughout the day with normal bodily functions.

Therefore CA was awarded to the person concerned for one care recipient on 13 September 2016 and the first payment issued to their nominated bank account on 29 September 2016.

Arrears of allowance due from 23 January 2016 to 28 September 2016 will issue shortly.

The person concerned was notified on 13 September 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.