Réada Cronin (Kildare North, Sinn Fein)
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1024. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an application for carer’s allowance (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38214/23]

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.

An application for Carer's Allowance was received from the person concerned, in respect of their sister, on 16 August 2023.

A Deciding Officer has confirmed their entitlement to Carer's Allowance from 17 August 2023 and correspondence in this regard issued to the person concerned on 4 September 2023. The first payment will issue via the person's nominated payment method on 14 September 2023. Arrears for the period 17 August 2023 to 6 September 2023 will also issue on this date.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1025. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the progress to date in the determination of an application for disability allowance in the case of a person (details supplied); if basic supplementary welfare is currently in payment given his pending appeal and ill health; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38253/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Disability Allowance (DA) is a weekly allowance paid to people with a specified disability who are aged 16 or over and under the age of 66. This disability must be expected to last for at least one year and the allowance is subject to a medical assessment, means test and Habitual Residency conditions.

I confirm that my Department received an application for DA from the person concerned on 2 December 2022. Based on the evidence supplied in support of this person’s application, his application for DA was disallowed on the grounds that both the medical qualifying condition was not satisfied and they did not satisfy the conditions of being habitually resident in the state.

The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 9 February 2023, and they were given the right to a review or an appeal.

Further medical evidence and a valid Stamp 4 permission were received. While the HRC condition was met, the person concerned was disallowed on the grounds that the medical qualifying condition was still not satisfied. The person concerned was notified in writing on 15 March 2023.

A review of the decision of 15 March 2023 in relation to not satisfying the medical qualifying conditions was carried out. The original decision was upheld, and the person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 29 March 2023. They were also given the right to request a review or to appeal the decision to the independent Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO).

The person concerned lodged an appeal with the SWAO. This appeal was registered in the Appeals Office on 19 May 2023. An Appeals Officer will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing. The person concerned will be notified directly in writing of the outcome of the appeal.

I can confirm that this individual currently receives a weekly Basic Supplementary Welfare Allowance payment.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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1026. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the support available to people affected by flooding who do not have insurance. [38283/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies. My Department provides assistance to eligible households in the immediate aftermath of emergency weather events under the humanitarian assistance scheme.

The humanitarian assistance scheme, administered by the local Community Welfare Service (CWS), was activated to assist any householders affected by recent weather events, including Storm Antoni and Storm Betty. This scheme is open to those affected by these weather events to apply for assistance.

The purpose of the humanitarian assistance scheme is to provide income-tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged and who are not able to meet costs for essential needs, household items and, in some instances, structural repair.

• Assistance is not available under the scheme for losses which are already covered by insurance.
• The scheme does not cover commercial, agricultural, or business losses.
• Any additional properties that are not occupied and lived in as the applicant’s primary residence are not covered.

If any homeowner affected by the recent weather events, such as Storm Antoni and Betty, needs to access these supports, they can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 60 70 80.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.