Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
282. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Social Protection to expedite an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme, given that the person originally applied for a payment nine months ago and is still waiting for a decision, despite complying with every request; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11411/16]
View answer283. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Social Protection why an application by a person (details supplied) under the carer's allowance scheme has been under assessment for approximately nine months, despite the person complying with every request; the average waiting time for processing applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11412/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 282 and 283 together.
I confirm that the Department received an application for Carer’s Allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 18 August 2015. It is a condition for receipt of a CA that the person being cared for must have a disability whose effect is that they require full-time care and attention.
This is defined as requiring from another person, continual supervision and frequent assistance throughout the day in connection with normal bodily functions or continuous supervision in order to avoid danger to him or herself and likely to require that level of care for at least twelve months.
A deciding officer (DO) sent the file to a local investigating officer to provide him/her with a full report on the circumstances of the case to assist him/her to make a decision on eligibility. Upon receipt of the report and taking all the available evidence into account, a DO decided that the care recipient in question does not require full-time care and attention and that CA was not payable in this case.
The person concerned was notified on 17 May 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
