Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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159. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35364/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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An application for domiciliary care allowance (DCA) was received in respect of this child on the 15th March 2016. The application was not allowed as it was considered that the child did not meet the eligibility criteria for the allowance. A letter issued on 6th July 2016 outlining the decision in this case and the right to seek a review of the decision and/or to appeal the decision.

A review of the decision was requested on 12th July 2016 and the person concerned was notified on 10th November 2016 that following an examination of the application the original decision was upheld.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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160. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35365/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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This lady applied for domiciliary care allowance in respect of her child on the 4th April 2016. The application was not allowed as it was considered that the child did not meet the eligibility criteria for the allowance. A decision letter issued to her on the 25th July 2016.

An appeal of this decision was registered on 23rd August 2016 and additional information on her child’s condition/care needs was supplied. The application together with the new information supplied has been forwarded to a Medical Assessor for their professional opinion. Upon receipt of the Medical Assessor’s opinion, the case will be further examined by a deciding officer, who will revise the original decision if warranted or alternatively, forward the case for consideration by the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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161. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a domiciliary care allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35366/16]

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.