Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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617. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's benefit application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41748/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I confirm that my department received an application for carer’s benefit (CARB) from the person concerned on 30 November 2016.

CARB is a PRSI based 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.

A person can be considered to be providing full-time care and attention where they are engaged in employment, self-employment or on training courses outside the home for a maximum of 15 hours per week, provided that they can show to the satisfaction of a deciding officer that adequate care has been provided for the care recipient in their absence.

This application was disallowed on the grounds that person concerned was working outside the home for more than 15 hours per week and accordingly could not be deemed to be providing full-time care and attention.

She was notified on 20 December 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy. If you require any further assistance with this query please do not hesitate to contact Philip in my office.