Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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532. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made in respect of an application by a person (details supplied) for carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29435/18]

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 habitually resident in the State and who is providing full-time care and attention to a person who has such a disability that they require that level of care.

I confirm that my department received an application from of the person concerned for CA in respect of two care recipients (her parents) on the 25 October 2018.

The application was awarded on 16 February 2018 in respect the provision of full-time care and attention to her father and first payment issued to her nominated post office on 8 March 2018.

Arrears of allowance due from 26 October 2017 to 9 March 2018 also issued.

The person concerned was notified on 16 February 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have such a disability 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 continual 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 the application for the provision of full-time care and attention to her mother 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 also notified on 16 February 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

The person concerned requested a review of this decision on 12 March 2018 and submitted additional evidence in support of their application. This evidence is currently being examined.

Once the review is completed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.