Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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787. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29607/19]

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

An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 28 June 2018. This application was disallowed as their weekly means were found to exceed the statutory limit.

The person concerned was notified on 27 November 2018 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

The person concerned appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).  The outcome of the appeal is that the original decision was upheld and the appeal was disallowed. The appeal’s office decision is final in this matter and can only be reviewed in light of new evidence or facts not previously considered.

It is always open to the person concerned to re-apply for the scheme if her means decrease in the future. The person concerned may also wish to consider making an application for the stand alone Carer’s Support Grant and Homemakers Scheme.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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788. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance for a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29609/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 11 March 2019.   It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection  These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 20 June 2019 and the case has been referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral 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.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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789. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29610/19]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an oral hearing of the appeal of the person concerned took place on 25 June 2019 and that the Appeals Officer is now considering the appeal in the light of all of the evidence submitted, including that adduced at the oral hearing.  The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision when the appeal has been determined.

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.