Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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911. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will reinstate a person’s (details supplied) agent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17201/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Carer's allowance 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.

For certain social welfare payments, the legislation provides that if a payment recipient is unable to collect their payment from a Post Office due to an illness or loss of mobility, they may nominate a person to collect the payment for them.  This person, known as an agent, acts on behalf of the payment recipient and can collect their payments on a temporary or long-term basis.  An agent can only be nominated if the payment recipient is unable to collect their payment at a Post Office and an agent nomination form is completed.

The person concerned is currently in receipt of Carer’s Allowance (CA) in respect of their sister for whom they are providing care.  CA is not one of the social welfare payments included under the relevant legislation that allows for an agent to be appointed.  Any carer not able to collect their payment at a Post Office could indicate an inability to provide care.  For this reason, the use of an agent for CA is only allowed in exceptional circumstances and as a temporary measure. 

It should be noted that payment by EFT is permitted for Carer’s Allowance and my Department has a responsibility to ensure that customers are made aware of all the payment options available to them.  If the person concerned wishes to change their payment method, they can do this online at www.mywelfare.ie.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.