Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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141. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38957/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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An application for carer's allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 28 July 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 27 September 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.

He sought a review and submitted further evidence in support of his eligibility. As a result of this review, CA was awarded to him on 5 December 2016 and the first payment will issue to his nominated bank account on 15 December 2016. Arrears for the period 28 July 2016 to 14 December 2016 have also issued.

The person concerned was notified on 5 December 2016 of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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142. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38958/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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An application for Carer's Allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 28 June 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.

Full-time care and attention must also be provided by the carer.

The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that the evidence did not indicate that full-time care and attention was required by the person being cared for, or that full-time care was being provided by the person concerned.

The person concerned was notified on 12 September 2016 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal.

The Department were notified on 5 October 2016 that the person concerned had appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). A submission in support of the decision is being prepared and will shortly be forwarded along with the file to the SWAO for determination.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.