Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

556. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of a domiciliary care allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41390/16]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

614. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of a domiciliary care allowance for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41735/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 556 and 614 together.

This lady applied for domiciliary care allowance in respect of two children on 27th January 2016. The applications were not allowed as it was considered that the children did not meet the eligibility criteria for the allowance. Decision letters issued to her on 6th May 2016.

An appeal of both decisions was registered on 25th August 2016. The appellant advised that additional medical reports would be forthcoming. Upon receipt of the new medical reports, both applications, together with the new information provided, will be forwarded to a Medical Assessor for their professional opinion. When the Medical Assessor’s opinions are available both cases will be further examined by a deciding officer, who will revise the original decisions if warranted or, alternatively, forward the files for consideration by the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.