Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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909. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for a carer’s allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); if all documentation has now been received; when the application will be concluded with a view to the granting of the payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31632/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, 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.

I confirm that my Department received an application for CA from the person concerned on 27 June 2019.

The person concerned did not provide such certificates, documents, information or evidence as was requested. A decision was made to disallow as means could not be determined.

The person concerned was notified on 6 February 2020 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

The person concerned requested a review of this decision. Following this and subsequent reviews the decision remained unchanged.

The person concerned requested a further review on 14 May 2021 and submitted more detailed information regarding the business accounts belonging to her spouse.

Following a review of this information, CA was awarded to the person concerned on 9 June 2021 with effect from 27 June 2019. The first payment will issue to her nominated post office on 17 June 2021.

Arrears for the period 27 June 2019 to 16 June 2021 will issue shortly.

The person concerned was notified on 9 June 2021 of the revised decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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910. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person (details supplied) qualifies for the back to work enterprise allowance or any other scheme or payment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31643/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned was engaging with the Local Employment Services (LES) and was referred to County Kildare Leader Partnership for support in setting up his own business. Departmental records indicate the person concerned was participating in their Business Development Programme in February 2020 with a view to finalising his Business Plan in March 2020. Subsequently the LES was unable to contact the person concerned and the period for obtaining supports through their service came to an end.

The person concerned was then referred to the JobPath programme with Turas Nua, but I am advised that staff there were unable to make contact with him. Further attempts made by my officials to contact the person concerned by phone have been unsuccessful.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance which has been temporarily suspended due to the fact that he has been unreachable. If the person concerned verifies his contact details with the Newbridge Intreo Centre his payment can be reinstated.

If the person concerned wishes to proceed with setting up his own business he should engage with the County Kildare Leader Partnership. Whilst the person concerned meets the eligibility criteria for Back to Work Enterprise Allowance, his business idea would have to be approved by both a Case Officer and the County Kildare Leader Partnership before a recommendation can be made to a deciding officer.

I trust this clarifies the matter.