Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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403. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of a fuel allowance application of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61842/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The person concerned applied for Fuel Allowance, which was awarded with effect from 4 November 2022. The person was notified in writing of this decision on 2 November 2022 and received their first payment on 11 November 2022, which included arrears from 4 November 2022.

As part of the overall social welfare Budget 2023 package of €2.2 billion, I announced an additional cost of living payment of €400 for qualified Fuel Allowance recipients. This additional cost-of-living payment was payable to Fuel Allowance recipients for week commencing 14 November 2022.As the person concerned qualified for Fuel Allowance from 4 November 2022, they also received this additional cost-of-living payment of €400.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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404. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of domiciliary care allowance application by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [61843/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly allowance payable to a parent/guardian in respect of a child aged under 16, who has a severe disability and requires ongoing continual or continuous care and attention substantially in excess of that normally required by children of the same age and the child must be likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 consecutive months.

An application for DCA in respect of their child was received from the person concerned on 21 November 2022.

DCA applications are processed in date of receipt order and are currently taking 6-8 weeks to process from date of receipt.

Their application is currently awaiting the opinion of a Departmental medical assessor.

A deciding officer will make a decision in due course and the person concerned will be notified in writing of the decision details.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.