Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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590. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41708/16]

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 13 June 2016 in respect of two care recipients.

It is a condition for receipt of CA that the applicant must be habitually resident in the State.

It is a further 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 the person concerned does not satisfy the habitual residency condition and that the evidence does not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied in respect of one care recipient.

The person concerned was notified on 1 November 2016 of this decision, the reasons for it and of his right of review and appeal.

He has appealed this decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). A submission on behalf of the deciding officer has been prepared and forwarded to the Appeals Office for determination.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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591. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41709/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer on 10^thJanuary 2017, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.

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.