Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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144. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a domiciliary care allowance application submitted by a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39260/24]

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

An application for DCA in respect of their child, including supporting medical evidence was received from the person concerned on 27 September 2024.

As part of the decision process, their application is currently awaiting the opinion of a Departmental Medical Assessor (MA).

On receipt of the MA opinion and of the requested details from the person concerned, a decision will be made on their application as soon as possible and the person concerned will be notified of the decision in writing.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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145. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the processing of a carer's benefit application submitted by a person (details supplied) will be prioritised; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39261/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Carer's Benefit is a payment made to insured people who leave the workforce or reduce their working hours to care for a child or an adult in need of full-time care and attention.

To qualify, the Carer must satisfy PRSI conditions; employment conditions; show that they are providing full-time care and attention; and must show that the care recipient requires full-time care and attention.

An application for Carer's Benefit was received from the person concerned on the 23 September 2024.

A Deciding Officer examined the application and determined that further information is required before a formal decision can be made. A request for said information issued on the 27 September 2024.

On receipt of the required information a Deciding Officer will make a formal decision on the Carer's Benefit application and the person concerned will be notified in writing.

If, the person concerned is in financial need, they may contact their local Community Welfare Officer regarding payment of a Supplementary Welfare Allowance while awaiting a decision.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.