Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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454.To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) keeps getting denied carer’s allowance. [24937/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all the evidence, disallowed the appeal of the person concerned by way of summary decision on 23 January 2024. Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an Appeals Officer is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed by an Appeals Officer in light of new evidence or new facts. I am advised that the person concerned subsequently submitted additional evidence and that a review of the appeal was carried out on foot of this additional evidence. Regrettably the Appeals Officer did not find any new facts or fresh evidence which warranted a revision of the earlier decision.

In order to qualify for Carer’s Allowance, it must be shown that the person to be cared for requires continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day or continual supervision in order to avoid being a danger to themselves.

The Appeals Officer acknowledged the care recipient’s medical conditions and the care being provided by the appellant, however, determined that the evidence provided had not established that the care recipient was in need of full-time care and attention within the meaning of the legislation, and therefore did not establish a basis for regarding the appellant eligible for receipt of Carer’s Allowance.

The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision. A further review of the Appeals Officers decision may be requested if there is any new evidence or facts to support the review. Alternatively, if there has been any change of circumstances since the initial application it is open to person concerned to make a new application to the Department providing evidence of the changed circumstances.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.