Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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216. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason an appeal for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) has not been addressed; if the appeal will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47323/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Carer's Allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to a person who is providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care.

The Department periodically reviews claims in payment to ensure that there is continued entitlement. Following a review in this case it was determined that the evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.

The person concerned was notified on 25 November 2015 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal. The person concerned requested a review of this decision and submitted additional evidence in support of her application, however the decision remained unchanged.

Following several subsequent reviews, it was determined that the evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied. The person concerned was notified of the most recent outcome on 17 February 2017, the reasons for it and of her right of appeal.

The person concerned appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO) on 4 March 2017. A submission in support of the decision was prepared and forwarded to the SWAO on 6 Nov 2017 for determination.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.