Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
568. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the need to progress an application for a carer's allowance by a person (details supplied) in view of exceptional circumstances will be examined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17543/18]
View answerCarer'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 person who has such a disability that they require that level of care.
An application for CA was received from the person concerned on 20 July 2017.
The evidence submitted in support of this application was examined and the deciding officer decided that although a certain level of care was being provided the level involved did not amount to full-time care.
The person concerned was notified on 7 November 2017 of this decision the reason for it and her right of review and appeal.
My Department were notified on 4 December 2017 that the person concerned had appealed this decision to the Social Welfare Appeals Office (SWAO). At this stage a different deciding officer (DO) reviewed the original decision in full. The outcome of this review was that the original decision was confirmed. Accordingly, a submission in support of the decision was forwarded on 19 April 2018, along with the file to the SWAO for determination.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
