Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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68. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a decision will be expedited on an appeal for a supplementary allowance payment and a decision on a carer’s allowance review (details supplied). [26333/24]

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.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a Supplementary Welfare Allowance appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 10 June 2024. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers were received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 17 June 2024 and the case was referred to an Appeals Officer, who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if necessary, hold an oral hearing.

The Carer's Allowance section have advised me that on 03 April, 2024 the person concerned was notified that they did not qualify for Carer’s Allowance as they were working/self-employed for more than the maximum 18.5 hours allowed and the person being cared for did not meet the full-time care and attention requirements of the scheme.

A request to review the decision was lodged with the Department on 22 April 2024. An information request issued to the person concerned on 09 May 2024. The outcome of the review decision remained unchanged and the review was also disallowed as they failed to supply the requested information. The person concerned was notified of this decision and of the right of review and appeal on 07 June 2024

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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69. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of a disability allowance appeal by a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26365/24]

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.

The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that a decision on this case was issued to the person concerned on 14 June 2024.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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70. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if consideration can be given to include a service (details supplied) under the free travel scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26373/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The Free Travel scheme is available to people over 66 years and to people in receipt of certain social welfare payments who are under 66 years. From 29th July 2024, Free Travel is also available to persons who are medically certified as unfit to drive for a period of at least 12 months. Free Travel recipients must be permanently resident in the State.

The scheme permits travel for free on most CIE public transport services, Luas, Local Link and over 80 private bus and ferry transport operators. Free Travel is also available on cross border journeys, and within Northern Ireland, for those over age 66.

The car ferry, to which the Deputy refers, recently commenced accepting Free Travel for pedestrian passengers, effective from 1st June 2024. Travel by private car, including the cost of a car on a ferry crossing, is not covered under the Free Travel scheme.

I trust this clarifies the matters for the Deputy.