Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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154. 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. [39050/16]

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 19 May 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 20 October 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

My Department were notified on 11 November 2016 that the person concerned had appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). A submission in support of the decision has been prepared and was forwarded along with the file to the SWAO on 5 December 2016 for determination.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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155. 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. [39051/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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An application for carer's allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 15 August 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 indicated that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied in respect of one care recipient but not the other.

CA was awarded to the person concerned in respect of one care recipient on 25 November 2016 and the first payment will issue to his nominated account on 8 December 2016. Arrears for the period 18 August 2016 to 7 December 2016 will issue shortly.

The person concerned was notified on 25 November 2016 of these decisions, the reasons for them and of his right of review and appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.