Written answers
Tuesday, 8 April 2025
Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection
Departmental Inquiries
Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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671. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of an application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16881/25]
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.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 21 January 2025.
It is a necessary condition for receipt of CA that the carer must be providing full-time care and attention to the care recipient. This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision, and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continual supervision to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months. The time spent providing care each week must not be less than 35 hours per week over 5-7 days.
The application was examined, and the Deciding Officer determined that the above condition was not satisfied. Although a certain level of care was provided, the evidence submitted did not meet the full-time care and attention requirement as defined in the legislation.
The person concerned was notified of this decision on 27 February 2025. 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 request to review this decision was received from the person concerned on 4 March 2025.
An information request pertaining to the review was issued to the person concerned on 2 April 2025. Upon receipt of the information requested and following the necessary investigations in relation to all aspects of the review, including the level of means, the person concerned will be notified of the outcome in writing.
I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
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