John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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338. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an appeal of the decision made in the case of a person (details supplied) will be commenced regarding the payment of a carer's allowance for their spouse; and if an oral hearing will be arranged. [52279/19]

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.

Once claims are in payment, the Department periodically reviews them to ensure that there is continued entitlement. Depending on the circumstances in each case and to make best use of resources, a review may only concentrate on a specific condition of entitlement.

I am advised that following a review of means, it was determined that the person in respect of whom CA was being paid, was entitled to a lower rate of payment from 8 January 2015 to 12 June 2019, as means from a pension income for his spouse had not been disclosed to my department. As a result it was determined that he had been overpaid €11,578.60 during this period.

The person concerned was notified on 21 November 2019 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal. A breakdown of the calculation of the debt was enclosed. My department received a request for review and on 4 December 2019 the person concerned was notified that the decision remained unchanged.

To date, no request for an appeal has been received by my Department. If the person wishes to pursue an appeal, they should contact the Social Welfare Appeals Office setting out the grounds of their appeal.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.