John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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133. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the approval for carers allowance for a person (details supplied) will be back-dated further; the rationale behind the decision; and if the applicant is entitled to the respite grant. [60317/25]

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.

A claim for CA was awarded to the person concerned from 18 September 2025. On foot of a review request to back-date the start date of the claim, the person's payment has now been backdated for a number of weeks where the carer was not engaged in employment for more than the 18.5 hours a week allowed by the legislation.

Arrears due will issue to the nominated bank account of the person concerned shortly.

The person concerned was notified of this decision in writing on 31 October 2025 and of their right of review and appeal.

CA recipients automatically qualify for the Carer's Support Grant (CSG) on the first Thursday in June each year where they have an entitlement to CA. As the person concerned was not entitled to the payment at that time due to being in employment for more than 18.5 hours per week, there is no entitlement to the 2025 CSG grant.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
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134. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the current average processing time for domiciliary care allowance applications and appeals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60339/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Domiciliary Care Allowance is a monthly payment in Ireland for a child under 16 with a severe disability.

The current average processing time for Domiciliary Care Allowance claims is 8 weeks. The current average processing time for appeals just under 10 weeks.