Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)
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136. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance review in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38906/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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An application for Carer's Allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 11 March 2016.

Carer’s allowance was awarded to the person concerned on 21 November 2016 and the first payment issued to the nominated Post Office on 1 December 2016.

Arrears of allowance due from 17 March 2016 to 30 November 2016 will issue shortly.

The person concerned was notified of these details on 21 November 2016.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)
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137. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance review by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38908/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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An application for carer's allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 29 March 2016.

CA is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care.

My Department takes the view that full-time care and attention does not necessarily mean 24 hours in each day. Full-time care and attention can be considered to apply where there is an ongoing and daily commitment by the carer and which also generally results in the carer not being able to support him/herself through normal full-time employment.

The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence indicated that the carer was not providing full-time care and attention in this case.

The person concerned was notified on 12 July 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal. She has requested a review of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of her application. The review is currently being processed and once completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.