Written Answers Nos. 52 - 57
52. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo was refused an invalidity pension; the reason it took two months to receive the decision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40817/15]
View answerInvalidity pension (IP) is a payment for people who are permanently incapable of work because of illness or incapacity and who satisfy the pay related social insurance (PRSI) contribution conditions.
The Department received a claim for IP for the person concerned on 11 September 2015. On 10 November 2015, after due consideration, a deciding officer disallowed the claim from the person concerned on the grounds that the medical conditions for the scheme were not satisfied. The person concerned was notified in writing of the decision on the date the decision was made and also informed that the decision was effective from 11 September 2015 (the date the claim was made). He was also notified of the reasons for the decision and of his rights of review and appeal.
The average time taken to award a new IP claim is currently six weeks. The Department is committed to ensuring that claims and reviews are processed as expeditiously as possible.
53. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40822/15]
View answerThe application for carer’s allowance in respect of the person concerned was awarded on 28 October 2015 and the first payment was issued to the person’s nominated bank account on 12 November 2015.
Any arrears of allowance due (less any overlapping social welfare payment and/or any outstanding overpayment) will follow shortly.
54. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who has been waiting for an extremely long time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40824/15]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 30 July 2015. The application is currently with a social welfare inspector to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of carer’s allowance are satisfied. Once the investigative officer has completed and submitted the report a deciding officer will make a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
55. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who has been waiting for more than four months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40826/15]
View answerThe application for carer’s allowance in respect of the person concerned was awarded on 9 November 2015 and the first payment was issued to the person’s nominated bank account on 12 November 2015.
The arrears of allowance due from 21 May 2015 to 11 November 2015 have also issued.
56. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40844/15]
View answerI confirm that the department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 19 August 2015 in respect of two care recipients. The application is currently with a social welfare inspector (SWI) to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for the receipt of CA are satisfied. Once the SWI has completed and submitted the report a deciding officer will make a full decision. The application will be processed as quickly as possible and when a decision is made the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
57. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40845/15]
View answerI confirm that the Department received an application for carer’s allowance from the person concerned on 6 November 2015. Once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
