John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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260. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if an application for a carer's allowance now under appeal will be expedited and approved in the case of a person (details supplied). [37026/21]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, 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 16 February 2021. The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that although a certain level of care was being provided, the level involved did not amount to full-time care.

The person concerned was notified on 26 February 2021 of this decision, the reason for it and of his 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 SWAO decision is final in this matter and can only be reviewed in light of new evidence or facts not previously considered.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.