Michael Murphy (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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655. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on an application for a carer's allowance application for a person (details supplied). [2402/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Carer's Allowance (CA) 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.

Two applications for CA were received from the person concerned.

The person concerned was approved CA from 05 May 2016 for the first care recipient and 01 September 2022 for the second care recipient.

It is a condition for receipt of CA that the carer cannot be engaged in employment or self-employment or training/study, however, where it is shown to the satisfaction of a Deciding Officer that adequate provision has been made for the care of the care recipient, the carer may work/be self-employed; engage on a training course for a maximum of 18.5 hours per week from 1 January 2020.

Following a revised decision the claim was stopped from 06 November 2024 in respect of both care recipient’s as it was established the person concerned was working over 18.5 hours per week.

The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 25 October 2024. They were also notified of their right to have the decision reviewed (where further information is available) or to appeal the decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office.

A review was initiated on foot of correspondence received from the person concerned on 03 December 2024.

Following this review request, the application was referred to a local Social Welfare Inspector (SWI) on 18 December 2024 to confirm if all the conditions for receipt of CA are satisfied. The SWI is due to meet with the person concerned this week. Once the SWI has reported, a decision will be made, and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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656. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on an appeal for a domiciliary care allowance application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2439/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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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 of the available evidence, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned will be notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision shortly.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.