Jim Daly
Question:138. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an appeal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38915/16]
View answerSocial Welfare Appeals Status
Questions (138)
Written answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 12th October 2016. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Social Welfare Appeals Status
Questions (139)
Mattie McGrath
Question:139. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Social Protection when a decision will be made on a social protection appeal that was submitted to the appeals office in June 2016; if he will ensure that a decision is made on this appeal without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38926/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that the appeal from the person concerned was referred to an Appeals Officer who has decided to convene an oral hearing in this case.
Every effort will be made to hear the case as quickly as possible and the person concerned will be informed when arrangements for the oral hearing have been made.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Appeals
Questions (140)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:140. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38956/16]
View answerWritten answers
I confirm that my Department received an application for Carer’s Allowance from the person concerned on 12 July 2016.
Additional information was requested from the person concerned on 17 November 2016. Once the information is received the application will be processed without delay and she will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Questions (141)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:141. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38957/16]
View answerWritten answers
An application for carer's allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 28 July 2016.
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.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 27 September 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.
He sought a review and submitted further evidence in support of his eligibility. As a result of this review, CA was awarded to him on 5 December 2016 and the first payment will issue to his nominated bank account on 15 December 2016. Arrears for the period 28 July 2016 to 14 December 2016 have also issued.
The person concerned was notified on 5 December 2016 of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Questions (142)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:142. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38958/16]
View answerWritten answers
An application for Carer's Allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 28 June 2016.
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.
Full-time care and attention must also be provided by the carer.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that the evidence did not indicate that full-time care and attention was required by the person being cared for, or that full-time care was being provided by the person concerned.
The person concerned was notified on 12 September 2016 of this decision, the reasons for it and of her right of review and appeal.
The Department were notified on 5 October 2016 that the person concerned had appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). A submission in support of the decision is being prepared and will shortly be forwarded along with the file to the SWAO for determination.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Appeals
Questions (143)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:143. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38959/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that two appeals by the person concerned were registered in that office on 24th November 2016. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the cases in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeals based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Questions (144)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:144. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38960/16]
View answerWritten answers
I confirm that the Department received an application for Carer’s Allowance from the person in question on the 4 October 2016.
The application is currently being examined by a deciding officer and once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Appeals
Questions (145)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:145. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance appeal in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38962/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 24th August 2016. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 1st November 2016 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Questions (146)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:146. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38963/16]
View answerWritten answers
I confirm that my Department received an application for carer’s allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 26 September 2016.
CA is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care.
The application was referred to a local social welfare inspector (SWI) on 16 November 2016 to assess the level of care being provided, assess means and confirm that all the conditions for receipt of CA are satisfied. Once the SWI has reported, a decision will be made and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Appeals
Questions (147)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:147. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38966/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 25th November 2016. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Questions (148)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:148. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38968/16]
View answerWritten answers
An application for carer's allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 8 November 2016.
The application is currently being examined and once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Questions (149)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:149. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38970/16]
View answerWritten answers
The person concerned applied for Carer’s Allowance (CA) on 22 May 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.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 18 August 2015 of this decision, the reason for it and of his right of review and appeal.
He appealed this decision and the case was submitted to the Social Welfare Appeals Office for determination. An appeals officer (AO), having fully considered all of the available evidence, disallowed the appeal. The person concerned was notified on 1 February 2016 of the AO’s decision and the reasons for it.
Under Social Welfare legislation, the decision of an AO is final and conclusive and may only be reviewed in the light of relevant additional evidence or new facts. The AO subsequently recalled the file for review but there was no change to the original decision.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy
Carer's Allowance Applications
Questions (150)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:150. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38971/16]
View answerWritten answers
An application for Carer's Allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 26 October 2016.
The application is currently being examined by a deciding officer and once processed, the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Questions (151)
James Lawless
Question:151. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application regarding the full rate of carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied). [38982/16]
View answerWritten answers
Carer's allowance (CA) is a means-tested social assistance payment, made to persons who are providing full-time care and attention to a person who has a disability such that they require that level of care.
CA is in payment to the person concerned since 1 March 2012 at a reduced rate based primarily on her husband’s earnings from employment.
The person concerned has contacted my Department on 2 December 2016 requesting a review of her claim. Once the information is received the review will be processed without delay and the person concerned will be notified directly of the outcome.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the deputy.
Carer's Allowance Appeals
Questions (152)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:152. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of an application for a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39013/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 20th October 2016. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant Departmental papers and comments by the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought. When these papers have been received from the Department, the case in question will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on the documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral appeal hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
State Investments
Questions (153)
Jack Chambers
Question:153. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Social Protection if investments, either directly or indirectly through pension or other investment funds, are held in tobacco companies by his Department, any agency within the remit of his Department, or any agency or entity in receipt of departmental funding; if his Department has any guideline in relation to such investment; if his Department intends to introduce any policies or guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39037/16]
View answerWritten answers
Neither my Department nor the Agencies within its remit hold any investments in tobacco companies either directly or indirectly through pension or other investment funds. We do not have any guidelines in relation to such investments or have any proposals to introduce any.
We would not be aware if any of the entities that receive funding from the Department have such investments.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Questions (154)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:154. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39050/16]
View answerWritten answers
I confirm that my Department received an application for Carer’s Allowance (CA) from the person concerned on 19 May 2016. 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.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 20 October 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
My Department were notified on 11 November 2016 that the person concerned had appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). A submission in support of the decision has been prepared and was forwarded along with the file to the SWAO on 5 December 2016 for determination.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Questions (155)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:155. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39051/16]
View answerWritten answers
An application for carer's allowance (CA) was received from the person concerned on 15 August 2016 in respect of two care recipients.
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.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence indicated that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied in respect of one care recipient but not the other.
CA was awarded to the person concerned in respect of one care recipient on 25 November 2016 and the first payment will issue to his nominated account on 8 December 2016. Arrears for the period 18 August 2016 to 7 December 2016 will issue shortly.
The person concerned was notified on 25 November 2016 of these decisions, the reasons for them and of his right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Appeals
Questions (156)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:156. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39052/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Social Welfare Appeals Office has advised me that an appeal by the person concerned was registered in that office on 6th September 2016. It is a statutory requirement of the appeals process that the relevant papers and comments by or on behalf of the Deciding Officer on the grounds of appeal be sought from the Department of Social Protection. These papers have been received in the Social Welfare Appeals Office on 24th October 2016 and the case will be referred to an Appeals Officer who will make a summary decision on the appeal based on documentary evidence presented or, if required, hold an oral hearing.
The Social Welfare Appeals Office functions independently of the Minister for Social Protection and of the Department and is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Carer's Allowance Applications
Questions (157)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:157. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Social Protection the status of a carer's allowance in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39053/16]
View answerWritten answers
Carer’s Allowance (CA) is in payment to the person concerned since 18 November 2004 in respect of one care recipient.
I confirm that my Department received an application for CA from the person concerned on the 18 July 2016 in respect of a 2nd care recipient.
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.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that this evidence did not indicate that the requirement for full-time care was satisfied.
The person concerned was notified on 5 December 2016 of this decision, the reason for it and of her right of review and appeal.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.