Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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165. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when a decision will be made on a carer's allowance review for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3890/25]

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.

I can confirm that two applications for CA were received from the person concerned on 23 August 2024, in respect of two care recipients.

As part of the decision process, the applications were referred for the professional opinion of a Department Medical Assessor. The claims were disallowed as the Deciding Officer, having regard to the opinion of the Medical Assessors, decided that the information supplied did not show that the two care recipients required full time care.

The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 01 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 07 October 2024. Following this review, the person concerned was awarded CA in respect of the two care recipients from 29 August 2024.

The first payment issued to the nominated bank account of the person concerned on 30 January 2025. Arrears for the period 29 August 2024 to 29 January 2025 will issue shortly.

The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 22 January 2025.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.