Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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310. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the position regarding an appeal for a carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare. [44067/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to hold an oral hearing in this case on 6th November 2018.  The person concerned has been notified of the arrangements for the hearing.  

The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Employment Affairs and 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.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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311. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will issue to a person (details supplied) in relation to a carer’s allowance appeal; if requested Departmental records and comments were received; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44074/18]

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 child or an adult who has such a disability that as a result they require that level of care.

An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 14 February 2018.

It is a condition for receipt of CA that the person concerned must be providing full-time care and attention.

The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that this condition was satisfied.

The person concerned was notified on 18 June 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.

My Department were notified on 13 July 2018 that the person concerned had appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).  On foot of this a deciding officer re-examined all the evidence, including that submitted in support of this appeal.

As a result the application was awarded to the person concerned on 22 October 2018 and first payment will issue to his nominated bank account on 8 November 2018.  The application was awarded from the date the person concerned ceased employment.

Arrears of allowance due from 19 April 2018 to 7 November 2018 will issue shortly after.

The person concerned was notified on 22 October 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.