Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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331. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application by a person (details supplied) for a carer's allowance will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12465/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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My department received an application for Carer's Allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 30 November 2018.

One of the qualifying conditions is that the means of the person concerned must be less than the statutory limit.

Following an investigation it was determined that the means of the person concerned were above the statutory limit and that she was therefore not entitled to CA.

The person concerned was notified on 11 February 2019 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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332. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for a carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12467/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned is in receipt of carer’s allowance (CA) for one care recipient since 5 May 2016.

An application for CA in respect of a 2nd care recipient was received on 15 May 2018.

It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have such 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 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 notified on 24 September 2018 of the decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

The department was notified on 23 November 2018 that the person concerned had appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). A submission in support of the decision along with the file was sent to the SWAO on 8 March 2019 for determination.

Once a decision is made on the appeal, the SWAO will notify the person concerned of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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333. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for a carer's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12472/19]

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 27 March 2019. 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 trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.